From the Research
Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) and hydroxychloroquine can generally be used together, but this combination requires careful medical supervision. Ocrevus is a monoclonal antibody used to treat multiple sclerosis, while hydroxychloroquine is commonly prescribed for autoimmune conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. The primary concern with this combination is the potential for increased immunosuppression, as both medications affect the immune system in different ways. Ocrevus depletes B cells, while hydroxychloroquine has immunomodulatory effects.
Key Considerations
- Patients taking both medications should be monitored closely for infections, as the combined immunosuppressive effect may increase infection risk.
- Blood counts should be regularly checked, and any signs of infection should be promptly reported to healthcare providers.
- Neither medication typically requires dosage adjustments when used together, but individual factors like kidney function, liver health, and other medications may influence dosing decisions.
- This combination might be particularly beneficial for patients who have overlapping conditions requiring both treatments, such as multiple sclerosis with coexisting autoimmune disorders.
Evidence Summary
The most recent and highest quality study on ocrelizumab is from 2022 1, which demonstrates its efficacy in reducing relapse rates and disease activity in patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS) or primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). While there is no direct evidence on the interaction between ocrelizumab and hydroxychloroquine, the study suggests that ocrelizumab is generally well tolerated and can be used in combination with other medications.
Monitoring and Precautions
Given the potential for increased immunosuppression, patients taking both ocrelizumab and hydroxychloroquine should be closely monitored for signs of infection and have regular blood counts checked. Healthcare providers should also be aware of the potential for increased risk of infections and take necessary precautions to minimize this risk.