Male in thirties, diagnosed with RRMS (2024).
Prior to the Ocrevus, my usual hair texture was coarse, wavy and manageable. Hair drying could achieve a straight-ish relaxed hairstyle.
Prior to the Ocrevus my hair was not affected by my other health conditions: Bile Acid Malabsorption, POTS and elevated thyroid T4.
** After the Ocrevus **
January 2025: First-half dose Ocrevus infusion 300mg - I refused premedication steroid Methylprednisolone.
February 2025: Second-half dose Ocrevus infusion 300mg, MS team insisted on Methylprednisolone.
August 2025: Full Ocrevus infusion 600mg - I refused premedication steroid.
4 June 2025: I noticed my hair was thinning and receding.
5 Sep 2025: My hair began tugging on my hairbrush.
30 Sep 2025: My hair texture became coarser on top, wiry, curls and kinks (comparison photos attached).
17 October 2025: Noticed unprecedented levels of hair shedding.
21 Oct 2025 : Neurologist seems to think hair texture change from Ocrevus would be unlikely and that I’m their first patient to mention this. The hospital suggested alternative options: Ublituximab or Mavenclad, however both treatments cite risk of birth defects.
28 Oct 2025: ** Blood test Update: ** Thyroid normal, Thyroid anti-body normal, Vitamin D and B12 normal, awaiting results for Vitamin AEK.
8 Nov 2025: Scalp itchy and burning (sensation similar to my infusion reaction from Ocrevus), drastic hair loss at temples.
I have notified the MS team and I have relayed these side effects to the MHRA. The NHS failed to notify me of this side effect, yet there’s many anecdotal testimonies on forums and reddit, indicating others have encountered this from Ocrevus. I had concerns about this medication before starting it, but conceded in view of MS disease activity in the latter part of last year.
I worry the changes to my hair texture from Ocrevus may be irreversible, if so then that would be devastating as my hair is a core component of my identity/well-being. I feel wretched about this.
Researching online, it states Ocrevus is a Monoclonal Antibody treatment or considered an Immunomodulator. If it’s unlike chemotherapy (Antineoplastic agent) then why is Ocrevus damaging my hair follicles?
It would be helpful to know if anyone experienced hair texture changes or hair recession from Ocrevus and whether it’s reversible or not?
Shall endeavour to keep post updated.
