Ocrevus Side Effects
Hi everyone! I’m posting on here in hopes that someone somewhere can relate to this. I started Ocrevus March of this year with my two half doses. All went ok, I had more energy, I was feeling decent and so on. But about 3 months in my depression and fatigue consumed me. I figured it was just me but about a month before my full infusion everything leveled out!
Fast forward to my full infusion which was September 7th. I was feeling ok, opted out of steroids and all went well. But again now I’m being hit with depression almost three months after. Along with insomnia which I’ve never had in my life and I’m absolutely miserable.
Does anyone know how long it takes to adapt to a DMT? I was on tecfidera for 3.5 years and would say it took 6 months to level out. But I can’t keep living like this with 8 months of the year being such struggle on top of MS symptoms. Any input is appreciated!
Hi chelsie. I’m sorry to hear you’re feeling like that :( I’m interested to hear what others say as I’m starting ocrevus in the next 2 weeks 🙏🏻😖 xx
Hi Chelsie - the main effect of Ocrevus is to lyse your B cells and in that way act as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant. I haven’t read of it having any other biochemical effect. Its effects are long-lasting and your B cells don’t start to recover for 9-12 months. Some people experience what they call a ‘crap gap’ at 5ish months but there is no biological basis for this as their B cells will still be non-existent. So unless there’s something else with ocrelizumab that we don’t know about yet, it probably isn’t causing your depression. Have you considered seasonal factors? Or menstrual? Maybe it just doesn’t suit you and you’d be better with Kesimpta?