Ocrelizumab
Ocrelizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets CD20 on B lymphocytes to deplete them, reducing immune-mediated damage to the central nervous system. It is FDA-approved for treating both relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (including relapsing-remitting MS and active secondary progressive MS) and primary progressive multiple sclerosis.
Ocrelizumab is a B-cell-depleting monoclonal antibody used to treat multiple sclerosis by reducing immune attacks on the nervous system.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L04AG08
- RxNorm
- 1876366
- Generic
- Ocrelizumab
- Class
- atc-l04
- Brands
- Ocrevus, Ocrevus Zunovo
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 600mg every 6 months
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 6 months
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- Not approved for pediatric use
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- N/A
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 600mg every 6 months
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 6 months
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesterdiscontinue before conception if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks to the fetus
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesterdiscontinue therapy
do not initiate or continue treatment during second trimester
fetal monitoring including ultrasound for growth assessment
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid use
do not administer near delivery due to risk of neonatal cytopenias
close fetal monitoring and assessment of neonatal blood counts at birth
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding
do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 6 months after last dose
no specific monitoring required
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
pediatric generalnot recommended
not approved for use in pediatric patients under 18 years
no pediatric-specific data available
geriatric
elderly 65 plusno specific adjustment required
use with caution; limited clinical experience in patients over 65 years
monitor for infections and immunogenicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno dose adjustment required
no dose adjustment needed for mild or moderate renal impairment
standard monitoring
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno specific adjustment studied
use with caution; limited data available in hepatic impairment
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval date for Ocrevus
Drug class
Pharmacological classification
Approved indications
Therapeutic indications
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic properties
Treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (including relapsing-remitting MS and active secondary progressive MS) and primary progressive multiple sclerosis in adults.
Binds to CD20 antigen on pre-B and mature B lymphocytes, leading to depletion of these cells and reducing immune-mediated damage to myelin and nerve fibers in the central nervous system.
Administered as intravenous infusions every 6 months. Requires screening for hepatitis B and tuberculosis before starting. Serious infusion reactions and increased infection risk can occur. Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment. Patients should be monitored for malignancies and cardiac complications.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy