DMT options
Hello all, this is my first time posting here. I am very recently diagnosed with RRMS and have just been told by my consultant that I have been approved for
Ocrevus (ocrelizumab)
Kesimpta (ofatumumab)
I appreciate everyone is different but I just wondered if perhaps anyone would be willing to share their thoughts on either or both? I have read the guidance on them both and side effects and susceptibility to injections seem to be the main thing.
Any info much appreciated!
There’s loads of info on here already if you use the search function. They’re very similar drugs - both b cell depleters. So their side effects, risks and efficacy are pretty much the same. Personally, I chose Ocrevus because it’s a six monthly infusion so I don’t have to think about treatment the rest of the time. Also it gives me more contact with MS services - otherwise I’d never see or hear from an MS nurse 🤣 I feel like intravenous is a more reliable route than subcutaneous and the higher dose of Ocrevus is likely to be more effective especially as I have a higher BMI. But this is a personal opinion and not fact! Some people prefer kesimpta because it means they don’t have to travel to hospital, and can ‘top up’ monthly - as some feel there is a ‘wearing off’ effect from Ocrevus (the ‘crap gap’). That doesn’t really make sense as your lymphocytes stay low for as long as a year after Ocrevus but it seems to be a common enough phenomenon that there is maybe something to it. Basically there’s not much to choose between them. Whatever suits your lifestyle best!
@mellowmedusa thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I think I'm leaning towards the Ocrevus for the reason you say - only having to think about it a couple of times a year. I suppose I'm just concerned about swapping one kind of feeling unwell for another if I'm going to be catching everything going illness wise!