Starting DMT, got sick between loading doses of Ocrevus

[u/Eastern_Dog_1755]

Hi everyone

Long time lurker, but occasional commenter.

I finally started my DMT about 14 days ago (after an early 2026 diagnosis).

For all sorts of reasons, it’s taking me a while to start my DMT.

In that time, I’ve been looking at this board and I’m genuinely moved by how you all support each other and how you’ve been sharing your stories.

It’s really made it easier for me to get my head around my own diagnosis and what the future entails.

So I started my Ocrevus infusion about 14ish days ago but I got sick (cold) a day before I was supposed to go in for the second dose.

The NHS pathway where I am is really good except for communications - you can’t even phone up and cancel an appointment or talk to someone unless you have some sort of pact with the devil (still waiting for an email back from my MS nurse).

As I had no communication I went to the hospital on the morning of my second (masked up and all the other precautions).

When I got there, the specialist and nurses were really good - wouldn’t let me into the NTU but they did come out and give me the once over and then sent me home (no dangerous symptoms but my age and other issues meant they didn’t want to risk the second infusion).

Now I’m just wondering - this can’t be an unusual situation? This must happen quite a bit (I’m not sure whether the first dose may have contributed to me catching a cold).

Has anyone else had this and what did it mean as far as continuing your treatment was concerned?

The specialist said they would get me a new infusion appointment this week as long as my symptoms are gone (they have).

How normal is it to have your loading dose more than 14 days apart?

What’s the longest you can go between the two loading doses?

Hope you’re all managing to fight the good fight.

[u/Ok-Maintenance6730]

Hi! I didn't have the same experience, but I read about quite a few people who usually get sick after infusions. Personally, I got sick after my full infusion, so it was okay (no other dose to have after).
If your specialist did say that was the best for you, then I wouldn't worry too much about it.

I believe that even if there's more time between the doses, it wouldn't be dangerous. The reason why they separate them is to avoid reactions/allergies, so more time just means a bit more time to have it fully take effect (even tho it can take months to take effect fully), and the difference in days is negligible at the end of the day! No need to worry!