Ocrevus Zunovo (ocrelizumab/hyaluronidase-ocsq)

Ocrevus Zunovo generic or biosimilar

Ocrevus Zunovo is a brand-name biologic drug containing the active ingredients ocrelizumab and hyaluronidase-ocsq. The drug is not available in a biosimilar form. (The reason “-ocsq” appears at the end of the drug’s name is to show that the drug is distinct from similar medications that may be created in the future.)

Biologics are made using parts of living cells, while traditional drugs are made using chemicals. This means biologics cannot be copied exactly. For this reason, biologics have biosimilars instead of generics. A generic drug is an exact copy of its original brand-name drug.

As with generics, biosimilars are considered to be as safe and effective as the original brand-name drug.

Ocrevus Zunovo dosage

The following information describes dosages of Ocrevus Zunovo that are commonly used or recommended. However, your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Drug form and strength

Ocrevus Zunovo comes as a liquid solution in a single-use vial. It’s available in one strength: 920 milligrams (mg) of ocrelizumab and 23,000 units of hyaluronidase in 23 milliliters (mL) of solution.

Dosage for multiple sclerosis and clinically isolated syndrome

Ocrevus Zunovo is prescribed to treat certain types of multiple sclerosis (MS) and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) in adults.

The typical dose for this use is 920 mg/23,000 units (one vial) per infusion. You’ll receive one infusion of Ocrevus Zunovo every 6 months.

How it’s given

Your doctor or another healthcare professional will give Ocrevus Zunovo as a subcutaneous infusion (an injection that’s given under your skin over a period of time). Each infusion is typically given over 10 minutes.

You’ll likely receive Ocrevus Zunovo in a doctor’s office, clinic, or infusion center. Your doctor may monitor you during and after your infusion for side effects, such as infusion reactions. Be sure to immediately tell your doctor if you experience swelling, skin rash, or difficulty breathing. These symptoms can occur up to 24 hours after your infusion. (For more information about infusion reactions, see the “Ocrevus Zunovo side effects” section.)

Your doctor may also order certain blood tests to check your risk of infection during treatment. Additionally, they may order certain scans to determine whether your condition is responding to treatment.

If you have other questions about receiving Ocrevus Zunovo, talk with your doctor.

About receiving Ocrevus Zunovo

Below you’ll find information about key dosage issues.

• When to receive it: You’ll receive Ocrevus Zunovo infusion once every 6 months.
• If you miss a dose: If you miss an appointment for your Ocrevus Zunovo infusion, call the doctor’s office, clinic, or infusion center.
• Length of use: Ocrevus Zunovo is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Ocrevus Zunovo is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely receive it long term.
• Length of time to work: Ocrevus Zunovo starts to work after your first dose. Your doctor will monitor the symptoms of your condition to determine how well the drug is working. They’ll advise you on how your condition is responding to Ocrevus Zunovo.

Ocrevus Zunovo side effects

Ocrevus Zunovo can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while receiving Ocrevus Zunovo. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Ocrevus Zunovo, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Ocrevus Zunovo, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Below is a partial list of mild side effects of Ocrevus Zunovo. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view Ocrevus Zunovo’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Ocrevus Zunovo can include:

• cough
• diarrhea
• mild infection, such as respiratory tract infection and herpes-related infection
• pain in the arms, back, or legs
• peripheral edema (fluid buildup in the arms or legs)
• mild reactions around the infusion site, such as pain, swelling, or discoloration

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Ocrevus Zunovo aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

• serious infection, including progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, which may include symptoms such as:
  • fever or chills
  • confusion
  • worsening weakness on one side of the body
• infusion reactions, which may include symptoms such as:
  • low blood pressure
  • pain or swelling in the mouth or throat
  • shortness of breath
  • skin rash or itching
• depression, which may include symptoms such as:
  • difficulty concentrating
  • fatigue
  • insomnia or sleeping more than usual
  • loss of interest in activities that used to be enjoyable
• colitis (inflammation of the colon), which may include symptoms such as:
  • abdominal pain
  • bloody stool
  • diarrhea
• increased risk of cancer, including breast cancer, which may include symptoms such as:
  • breast lump
  • nipple discharge
  • swollen lymph nodes
• low level of immunoglobulins (a type of protein), which doesn’t typically cause symptoms but can be detected with a blood test

ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, Ocrevus Zunovocan can cause an allergic reaction. But this side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s clinical trials.

In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep receiving the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Ocrevus Zunovo, your doctor may recommend a different medication instead.

Ocrevus Zunovo uses

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Ocrevus Zunovo to treat certain conditions. Ocrevus Zunovo may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label drug use is when an FDA-approved drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Ocrevus Zunovo for multiple sclerosis and clinically isolated syndrome

Ocrevus Zunovo is approved to treat certain types of multiple sclerosis (MS) and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) in adults.

MS is an autoimmune condition that affects the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord. With MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering around the nerves, leading to inflammation that disrupts communication between the CNS and the body.

Examples of MS symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, and loss of coordination.

CIS refers to a single episode of MS symptoms that lasts at least 24 hours. CIS is often the first sign of MS. However, some people with CIS may never develop MS.

Ocrevus Zunovo is used for the following types of MS:

• relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), which causes alternating episodes of relapse (worsened symptoms) and remission (lessened symptoms)
• active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS), which causes longer episodes of relapse with fewer episodes of remission
• primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), which causes worsened symptoms of MS over time without episodes of remission

To learn more about MS, visit our MS hub.

Ocrevus Zunovo and children

Ocrevus Zunovo is not FDA approved for use in children. It’s not known for certain whether the drug is safe or effective for children.

Ocrevus Zunovo interactions

Ocrevus Zunovo can interact with several other medications. However, the drug isn’t known to interact with any supplements or foods.

Before receiving Ocrevus Zunovo, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

Interactions with medications

Below is a list of medications that can interact with Ocrevus Zunovo. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Ocrevus Zunovo. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Alcohol interaction

Alcohol is not known to interact with Ocrevus Zunovo. Your doctor can recommend whether it’s safe to consume alcohol during treatment with the drug.

If you have questions about how much alcohol is safe to drink while you’re receiving Ocrevus Zunovo, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Ocrevus Zunovo cost and coupons

As with all medications, the cost of Ocrevus Zunovo can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan and your location.

Financial and insurance assistance: If you need financial support to pay for Ocrevus Zunovo or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

A program called the Ocrevus Copay Program is available for Ocrevus Zunovo. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 844-672-6729 or visit the program website.

Generic or biosimilar version:Ocrevus Zunovo is not available in a biosimilar form. Biologic drugs, including Ocrevus Zunovo, are made from parts of living cells. Because biologics cannot be copied exactly, they have biosimilars instead of generics. Traditional drugs have generics that are exact copies of the active ingredient in the brand-name form.

As with generics, biosimilars are considered to be as safe and effective as the original brand-name drug. And they may cost less than brand-name drugs.

Learn more about saving money on prescriptions.

Similar drugs

Other drugs are available that can treat multiple sclerosis (MS). Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Ocrevus Zunovo, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

The following drugs are similar to Ocrevus Zunovo:

• ocrelizumab (Ocrevus)
• ofatumumab (Kesimpta)
• ublituximab (Briumvi)

Things to consider when receiving Ocrevus Zunovo

If you can become pregnant, consider the following information about pregnancy, birth control, and breastfeeding.

Ocrevus Zunovo and pregnancy

It’s not known whether Ocrevus Zunovo should be used during pregnancy.

However, there have been reports of weakened immune systems in infants born to pregnant people who received drugs similar to Ocrevus Zunovo. To be safe, your doctor may suggest birth control options to use during treatment with Ocrevus Zunovo.

If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before receiving this medication.

Ocrevus Zunovo and birth control

It’s not known if Ocrevus Zunovo is safe to receive during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re receiving Ocrevus Zunovo.

Note: Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” and “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

For females receiving Ocrevus Zunovo

For females who can become pregnant, doctors may recommend an effective form of birth control to use during treatment with Ocrevus Zunovo. They may recommend using birth control throughout treatment with Ocrevus Zunovo and for at least 6 months after the final dose of the drug. This is to help prevent possible fetal harm with Ocrevus Zunovo.

For males receiving Ocrevus Zunovo

The manufacturer of Ocrevus Zunovo has not given specific recommendations about birth control use in males during treatment. If you’re a male receiving Ocrevus Zunovo, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs.

Ocrevus Zunovo and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether Ocrevus Zunovo should be used while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before receiving this medication.

Common questions about Ocrevus Zunovo

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Ocrevus Zunovo.

Is Ocrevus Zunovo the same as Ocrevus?

No. Ocrevus Zunovo and Ocrevus are both used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), but they have an important difference.

Both drugs contain ocrelizumab as an active ingredient. However, Ocrevus Zunovo also contains hyaluronidase. This allows Ocrevus Zunovo to be given as a subcutaneous infusion (an injection given under the skin over time). In contrast, Ocrevus is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection given into the vein over time).

Your doctor can recommend whether Ocrevus Zunovo or Ocrevus is the right treatment option for your condition. They can provide more information about which one may be best for you.

How does Ocrevus Zunovo work?

The exact way in which Ocrevus Zunovo works for treating MS isn’t fully understood.

With MS, certain cells of the immune system mistakenly attack the protective covering around the body’s nerves. This causes inflammation that leads to MS symptoms. Ocrevus Zunovo is thought to target these cells that cause this immune system response. In this way, Ocrevus Zunovo may help reduce the inflammation that leads to MS symptoms.

To learn more about how Ocrevus Zunovo works, talk with your doctor.