If you’re looking at treatment options for multiple sclerosis (MS) you may want to learn more about Ocrevus (ocrelizumab). It’s a prescription drug used in adults to treat:

Ocrevus comes as a liquid solution. It’s given as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into a vein given over time) by a healthcare professional.

Keep reading for details on Ocrevus and cost, and how to save money on prescriptions.

Note: For more details on Ocrevus, see this in-depth article.

The price you pay for Ocrevus can vary. Your infusion cost may depend on your treatment plan, your insurance coverage (if you have it), and the pharmacy you use. It will also depend on how much you have to pay for an office visit with your doctor to receive the drug.

To find out how much you’ll pay for Ocrevus, including what your cost per dose or cost per year may be, talk with your doctor or insurance provider.

Note: If you have insurance, you may need to get prior authorization before your insurance provider will cover Ocrevus. This means your insurer and your doctor will discuss Ocrevus in regard to your treatment. Then the insurance company will determine whether the drug is covered. If Ocrevus requires prior authorization and you don’t receive it before you start treatment, you could pay the full cost of the drug.

Be sure to ask your insurance company whether Ocrevus requires prior authorization.

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about Ocrevus and cost.

Is there a copay card or other copay assistance available for Ocrevus?

Yes, there’s a copay card available for Ocrevus. This card can help you save money on your copay if you have commercial or private insurance. For more information, see the drugmaker’s webpage or call 844-627-3887.

What does Ocrevus cost with Medicare?

Your cost of Ocrevus with Medicare depends on many factors, including your dosage, your specific Medicare plan, and the cost of your visit to receive your Ocrevus infusion. The best way to determine how much this drug may cost you is by contacting your doctor or Medicare provider. They’ll be able to help you determine what your cost of Ocrevus may be.

If you need help evaluating the cost of Ocrevus or understanding your insurance, check out these websites:

On these sites, you can find insurance information, details on drug assistance programs, and links to savings cards and other services.

A program called the Ocrevus Copay Program may also be available for Ocrevus. For more information, see the drugmaker’s webpage or call 844-627-3887.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Ocrevus is a biologic drug, which means it’s made from parts of living organisms. It doesn’t currently come in a biosimilar form. Biosimilars are like generic drugs. But unlike generics, which are made for nonbiologic drugs, biosimilars are made for biologic drugs.

​​Why is there such a cost difference between biologic drugs and biosimilar drugs?

Biologic drugs can be expensive because of the research and testing needed to ensure their safety and effectiveness. The manufacturer of a biologic drug can sell it for up to 12 years. When the biologic drug’s patent expires, other drugmakers can create biosimilar versions. This competition in the market may lead to lower costs for biosimilars. And because biosimilars are very similar to biologic drugs, they don’t need to be studied again. This can also lead to lower costs for biosimilars.

If you still have questions about the cost of Ocrevus, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to give you a better idea of what you’ll pay for this drug. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you’d pay for Ocrevus.

Examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor or insurance provider include:

  • Will my loading dose of Ocrevus cost more than my maintenance doses?
  • What are my options if I can’t afford Ocrevus?
  • Are there other lower-cost drugs that could treat my multiple sclerosis (MS)?

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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.