Ocrevus Infusions in Cleveland & Northeast Ohio
Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) is the first and only therapy approved for both relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) and primary progressive MS (PPMS). Our infusion staff are experienced with anti-CD20 therapies, monitor for infusion-related reactions in real time, and coordinate closely with your neurologist, pre-infusion labs, and vaccination timing. Whether you live in Cleveland, Beachwood, Westlake, Hudson, Akron, Mentor, or nearby communities, our center offers a calm, private setting designed for complex neurologic biologics.
Targeted B-Cell Depletion
Ocrevus selectively targets CD20-positive B cells, reducing immune overactivity while preserving bone marrow stem cells and long-lived plasma cells.
Twice-Yearly Dosing
After two starter infusions, most patients need only one 600 mg infusion every six months, helping you plan work, travel, and caregiver schedules.
Early PPMS Access
We help you navigate insurance approvals and MRI requirements so newly diagnosed PPMS patients can start therapy promptly.
How Ocrevus Works & How We Administer It
Ocrevus is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds the CD20 antigen on pre-B, mature, and memory B cells. Once bound, immune effector mechanisms trigger B-cell cytolysis via antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and complement-dependent cytotoxicity. Because plasma cells and stem cells lack CD20, patients maintain vaccine history and can repopulate healthy B cells over time.
Standard Infusion Schedule
- Initial course: Two 300 mg infusions given two weeks apart (Day 1 and Day 15) with steroid, antihistamine, and antipyretic pre-medication.
- Maintenance: Single 600 mg infusion every 6 months (at least 5 months apart) with on-site monitoring for at least one hour after completion.
Our team remains alert for infusion-related reactions during each visit and provides guidance for delayed symptoms within 24 hours.
What to Watch For
- Infusion-related reactions such as itching, sore throat, flushing, or shortness of breath during or shortly after infusion.
- Signs of infection (fever, cough, shingles rash, urinary burning) because B-cell therapies increase infection risk.
- Neurologic changes like new weakness, vision loss, or confusion—rare but urgent symptoms that warrant evaluation for relapse or PML.
- Unusual fatigue, dark urine, or abdominal pain that could signal liver injury or hepatitis B reactivation.
Clinical Evidence You Can Share With Your Neurologist
The landmark Phase III trials published in the New England Journal of Medicine established Ocrevus as a high-efficacy therapy for both relapsing MS and primary progressive MS. Our team summarizes key data for local neurology partners and provides documentation for prior authorizations.
Research Reference: Relapsing MS
Hauser SL, Bar-Or A, Comi G, et al. Ocrelizumab versus Interferon Beta-1a in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis. N Engl J Med. 2017;376(3):221-234. PubMed 28002679
Key outcomes: 46–47% lower annualized relapse rate, 40% lower confirmed disability progression, and 94–95% fewer gadolinium-enhancing lesions versus interferon beta-1a.
Research Reference: Primary Progressive MS
Montalban X, Hauser SL, Kappos L, et al. Ocrelizumab versus Placebo in Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. N Engl J Med. 2017;376(3):209-220. PubMed 28002688
Key outcomes: 24% reduction in 12-week confirmed disability progression, significant preservation of walking speed, and lower brain volume loss compared with placebo.
Side Effects, Monitoring & Biosimilar Guidance
Most patients tolerate Ocrevus well when infusions are performed in an experienced center. We provide written discharge instructions after every visit so you know what to monitor between appointments.
Common Side Effects
- Infusion-related reactions (itching, rash, flushing, cough, throat irritation, fever).
- Upper or lower respiratory infections, sinus infections, or skin infections.
- Herpes virus reactivation including cold sores or shingles.
- Back pain, fatigue, headache, or mild GI upset.
Less Common but Serious Risks
- Hepatitis B reactivation (requires pre-screening and ongoing liver monitoring when indicated).
- Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)—a very rare brain infection; report new neurological symptoms immediately.
- Decreased immunoglobulins leading to recurrent infections—your neurologist may monitor IgG/IgM yearly.
- Potential malignancy signal (especially breast cancer); stay current with mammography and standard screenings.
- Immune-mediated colitis presenting with severe diarrhea or abdominal pain.
We partner with every referring neurologist to ensure labs, MRIs, and vaccines remain up to date.
Serving MS Patients Across Northeast Ohio
CarePoint Infusion Center is centrally located near I-271, making it easy for MS patients from Cleveland, Beachwood, Westlake, Hudson, Solon, Mentor, Akron, Canton, and surrounding suburbs to receive Ocrevus or other neurologic biologics without navigating a downtown hospital.
We collaborate with major neurology practices at University Hospitals, Cleveland Clinic, MetroHealth, Summa, and independent specialists to keep communication seamless.
Need help transferring infusion records or coordinating MRI schedules? Call our team at 216-755-4044 and we will liaise with your neurologist.
Ready to Schedule Your Next Ocrevus Infusion?
Whether you are starting therapy for the first time, moving care from another center, or evaluating biosimilar options, CarePoint Infusion Center offers the monitoring, documentation, and Northeast Ohio convenience you need.
We proudly serve patients from Cleveland, Beachwood, Westlake, Hudson, Solon, Mentor, Akron, Canton, and the entire Northeast Ohio corridor.
Patient-specific information about Ocrevus treatment is available on our patient services page. Need other biologic or IV treatments? Visit our Infusion Services hub for the full list, or return to the CarePoint Infusion homepage to explore everything we offer.