Taking Ocrevus and Egg Freezing/Embryo Banking

Here is My Question:
My husband and I are looking into egg freezing/ embryo banking. I know that I need to wait 6-12 months after receiving an OCREVUS (ocrelizumab) infusion to become pregnant, but does OCREVUS (ocrelizumab) affect my eggs? If so, how long after an infusion should I wait to harvest my eggs?

Answer:
There is no evidence that oocytes express CD20, the target of ocrelizumab and other B cell depleting agents. This means that Ocrelizumab should not have any effect on harvested oocyte (i.e. egg) cryopreservation. 

The medications sometimes used to produce ovulation or maturation of oocytes, particularly Gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists, may increase the risk of MS relapse in the 3 months following an ovulation cycle. This is postulated to be caused by ovarian hyperstimulation. In this case your B cell depleting therapy may protect you from post ovarian stimulation relapses.

PLEASE NOTE: This information/opinions on this site should be used as an information source only.  This information does not create any patient-HCP relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.  Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.

​Revere (Rip) Kinkel MD
Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program
Professor of Clinical Neurosciences
University of California San Diego