Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) is a medication used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS), including relapsing forms and primary progressive MS. It is administered by intravenous infusion every six months, typically in a healthcare setting under medical supervision. One of the common side effects reported by patients receiving Ocrevus infusions is **fatigue**, which can occur during or after the infusion.
Fatigue related to Ocrevus infusions can arise from several factors:
– **Infusion-related reactions:** These are fairly common with Ocrevus, especially during the first infusion. Symptoms may include fever, chills, rash, nausea, headache, and fatigue itself. Fatigue as part of an infusion reaction may begin during the IV administration or within 24 hours afterward. The body’s immune response to the medication being infused can cause this temporary tiredness or exhaustion.
– **Immune system effects:** Ocrevus works by targeting certain immune cells (B-cells) involved in MS disease activity. This immunosuppressive action can increase susceptibility to infections such as upper respiratory tract infections and herpes-virus-associated infections. Fighting off these infections or even subclinical immune changes might contribute to feelings of fatigue after treatment.
– **Pre-medications:** To reduce infusion reactions, patients usually receive corticosteroids like methylprednisolone and antihistamines before each dose. While these medications help prevent severe reactions, corticosteroids themselves sometimes cause side effects that include mood changes and fatigue.
– **Underlying MS symptoms:** Fatigue is already one of the most common symptoms experienced by people with MS due to nerve damage and inflammation in the central nervous system. Distinguishing between disease-related fatigue versus treatment-induced fatigue can be challenging because they overlap significantly.
The intensity of post-infusion fatigue varies widely among individuals; some report mild tiredness lasting a day or two following their infusion while others experience more pronounced energy loss that affects daily activities temporarily. Generally, this type of fatigue tends to improve as your body adjusts over time with repeated treatments.
Healthcare providers closely monitor patients during infusions for any serious adverse events such as severe allergic reactions but also watch for ongoing symptoms like persistent extreme fatigue which might warrant further evaluation for infection or other complications.
Patients are advised to:
– Rest adequately on days following their Ocrevus infusion
– Stay well hydrated
– Report any unusual prolonged weakness or worsening symptoms promptly
In summary, yes—**fatigue after an Ocrevus infusion is a recognized side effect** linked primarily to immune responses triggered by the drug administration process itself along with its immunomodulatory effects on B-cells involved in MS pathology. This post-infusion tiredness usually resolves within days but should be discussed with your neurologist if it becomes severe or persistent beyond what you expect from your usual MS-related fatigue patterns.
