Ocrevus, a medication used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS), is not commonly associated with causing hair loss. Hair loss is a concern for many people undergoing treatment for MS because some disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) can lead to hair thinning or shedding, but Ocrevus is generally not reported to have this side effect.
To understand this better, it helps to look at how hair loss relates to MS treatments overall. MS itself does not usually cause hair loss directly. However, some medications used to manage MS can cause temporary hair thinning. For example, drugs like teriflunomide and fingolimod have been reported to cause hair loss or thinning in some patients. Teriflunomide, in particular, has a relatively higher incidence of hair thinning, affecting a noticeable portion of users, though this hair loss tends to be mild and temporary. Fingolimod also lists hair thinning as a less common side effect. On the other hand, other MS medications such as Zeposia (ozanimod) have not been reported to cause hair loss in clinical trials.
Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) works differently from these medications. It is a monoclonal antibody that targets specific immune cells (B cells) involved in the MS disease process. Its side effect profile mainly includes infusion reactions, infections, and some other immune-related effects, but hair loss is not typically mentioned as a side effect. This suggests that if hair loss occurs during Ocrevus treatment, it might be due to other factors such as stress, nutritional deficiencies, other medications, or the underlying disease rather than Ocrevus itself.
Hair thinning or loss related to MS treatments is usually temporary. When it does occur, it often starts a few months after beginning the medication and tends to improve without stopping the treatment. Patients experiencing hair loss should not discontinue their medication without consulting their neurologist, as managing MS effectively is crucial, and hair loss can often be managed or reversed.
In summary, while some MS medications can cause hair thinning or loss, Ocrevus is not commonly linked to this side effect. If hair loss does occur during Ocrevus treatment, it is important to explore other possible causes with a healthcare provider to address the issue appropriately.
