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You already have a diagnosis. You already have a neurologist. What you need now is an infusion center that understands Multiple Sclerosis (MS) specifically — one that coordinates with your care team, handles insurance before your first visit, and delivers treatment in a calm, supervised outpatient setting.
At Althea Infusion, we administer FDA-approved Multiple Sclerosis infusion therapies as prescribed by your neurologist, including Ocrevus, Briumvi, and Tysabri. We serve patients in a comfortable outpatient setting with direct coordination with your care team.
If you are researching MS infusion treatment options or considering switching infusion centers, here is what you need to know.
How Multiple Sclerosis Infusion Therapy Works
Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks myelin — the protective coating around nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. This disrupts nerve signal transmission and causes the neurological symptoms associated with the disease, including fatigue, weakness, numbness, and vision changes.
Infusion-based disease modifying therapies (DMTs) work by targeting specific parts of the immune system that drive this inflammatory process. Unlike daily oral medications, most MS infusion therapies are administered on a scheduled basis — every four weeks to every six months — which means fewer daily pills and predictable treatment dates you can plan around.
FDA-Approved MS Infusion Treatments We Administer
Several infusion therapies are approved for Multiple Sclerosis. Drug selection, dosing schedule, and monitoring requirements vary by medication — your neurologist prescribes the specific therapy appropriate for your disease type, MRI findings, and treatment history.
Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab)
Ocrevus is a monoclonal antibody that targets CD20-positive B cells, which play a central role in the immune attack that damages myelin in MS. It is the only FDA-approved therapy for both relapsing forms of MS and primary progressive MS (PPMS).
Dosing: Two 300mg loading doses given two weeks apart, followed by 600mg every six months.
Infusion time: The first two infusions typically take 3.5 hours or longer due to slower initial rate titration. Subsequent maintenance infusions may be shorter for patients who tolerate the medication well. Your neurologist’s orders will specify the rate for each session.
Best for: Relapsing MS or PPMS patients seeking a twice-yearly schedule with strong long-term efficacy data.
Briumvi (Ublituximab)
Briumvi is a newer anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody approved for relapsing forms of MS. It targets the same B cell pathway as Ocrevus but is engineered for a shorter infusion time, which many patients find more convenient.
Dosing: 150mg on Day 1 and Day 15 as loading doses, followed by 450mg every six months.
Infusion time: Approximately one hour for maintenance doses after the loading period.
Best for: Relapsing MS patients who want a shorter chair time and a twice-yearly schedule.
Tysabri (Natalizumab)
Tysabri works by blocking alpha-4 integrin, a protein that allows immune cells to cross the blood-brain barrier into the central nervous system. By preventing this crossing, it reduces the inflammation that leads to MS relapses and new MRI lesions.
Dosing: 300mg every four weeks.
Infusion time: Approximately one hour per session, plus a one-hour observation period afterward.
Important: Tysabri carries a risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare but serious brain infection caused by the JC virus. JC virus antibody status is monitored regularly in all patients receiving Tysabri. Your neurologist will discuss this risk and monitoring protocol with you before starting therapy.
Best for: Relapsing MS patients with high disease activity, particularly those with a known good response to the medication. Requires ongoing JC virus monitoring.
IV Steroids for MS Relapse Management
In addition to scheduled disease modifying therapies, we also administer high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone for acute MS relapses. These infusions help reduce inflammation quickly, shorten the duration of relapse symptoms, and support faster recovery. IV steroid courses are typically given over three to five consecutive days.
Who Should Consider MS Infusion Therapy?
MS infusion therapy may be appropriate for patients who are:
- Newly diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS or primary progressive MS
- Experiencing frequent or severe relapses on their current therapy
- Showing MRI progression — new or enlarging lesions
- Transitioning from an oral medication that is no longer controlling disease activity
- Looking for a more convenient dosing schedule than daily or weekly oral medications
- Switching infusion centers and looking for a more coordinated, patient-focused experience
Infusion therapy is prescribed and directed by your neurologist. Our role is to administer that therapy safely, monitor you throughout each session, and maintain clear communication with your care team.
Side Effects and Safety Monitoring
Side effects vary by medication. All MS infusion therapies at Althea are administered in a monitored clinical setting with a nurse present throughout every session.
Common infusion-related reactions — most often mild and manageable:
- Headache, fatigue, or mild fever
- Flushing or skin reactions during the infusion
- Temporary changes in blood pressure or heart rate
- Nausea or throat irritation
Medication-specific risks requiring ongoing monitoring:
- Ocrevus and Briumvi — increased infection risk due to B cell depletion; hepatitis B screening required before starting; immunoglobulin levels monitored over time
- Tysabri — risk of PML (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy), a rare brain infection caused by the JC virus; JC antibody testing required regularly throughout treatment
- All anti-CD20 therapies — reduced vaccine response during B cell depletion; timing of vaccinations should be discussed with your neurologist before starting
Our nurses monitor you throughout every session and maintain direct communication with your neurologist so that any safety concerns are addressed promptly.
What to Expect at Your Althea MS Infusion Appointment
Appointment length varies by medication and session number. First infusions for Ocrevus are typically longer due to rate titration — expect 3.5 hours or more. Briumvi and Tysabri maintenance infusions are generally around one hour. Your neurologist’s orders will specify the rate and timing for your specific therapy.
Before Your First Visit
Our team contacts your neurologist to obtain orders, verifies your insurance benefits, completes prior authorization, and confirms all required lab results are on file. You do not need to manage this paperwork yourself.
At Check-In
We review your neurologist’s orders, confirm your current labs, and complete a brief clinical assessment before your infusion begins. Vital signs are taken and any previous reactions are noted.
During Your Infusion
Your IV is placed by an experienced infusion nurse. Infusion rates are started at the level specified in your neurologist’s orders and adjusted based on your tolerance. You are monitored throughout the session. Bring something to read, headphones, or plan to rest — most patients find the process manageable once they are settled.
Before Discharge
After your infusion we complete an observation period, assess how you are feeling, and send a clinical summary to your neurologist. We schedule your next appointment before you leave.
Insurance Coverage and Cost of MS Infusion Therapy
Most major insurance plans cover FDA-approved MS infusion therapies when prescribed by a neurologist and prior authorization requirements are met. Out-of-pocket cost depends on your specific plan, deductible, and benefit structure.
Ocrevus, Briumvi, and Tysabri each have manufacturer copay assistance programs that may significantly reduce or eliminate patient cost-sharing for eligible patients.
Our team verifies your benefits, completes prior authorization, and researches available patient assistance programs to help minimize your out-of-pocket costs before your first appointment — so there are no billing surprises on infusion day.
Frequently Asked Questions About MS Infusion Therapy
How long does an Ocrevus infusion take?
The first two Ocrevus infusions — the loading doses — typically take 3.5 hours or longer because the infusion rate is titrated slowly to monitor for reactions. Subsequent maintenance infusions may be completed in a shorter timeframe for patients who tolerate the medication well. Your neurologist’s orders will specify the rate and your nurse will walk you through the schedule before you start.
What is the difference between Ocrevus and Briumvi?
Both are anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies that target B cells and are given twice yearly. The main practical difference is infusion time — Briumvi maintenance infusions take approximately one hour compared to longer sessions for Ocrevus. Ocrevus has FDA approval for both relapsing MS and primary progressive MS; Briumvi is approved for relapsing forms only. Your neurologist will determine which is appropriate based on your disease type and treatment history.
What is PML and should I be concerned about it with Tysabri?
PML (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy) is a rare but serious brain infection caused by the JC virus that can occur in patients receiving Tysabri. Risk is higher in patients who test positive for JC virus antibodies, have been on Tysabri for longer periods, or have previously used certain immunosuppressant medications. Your neurologist will test your JC antibody status regularly and discuss the risk-benefit profile with you before and throughout treatment. This monitoring is a standard part of Tysabri therapy.
Can I receive MS infusion therapy while on other medications?
Possibly, but this depends on the specific medications involved. Some MS therapies require a washout period when transitioning from another DMT. Your neurologist manages these transitions and will provide orders accordingly. Our team confirms all relevant information before your first infusion.
Does insurance cover MS infusion treatment?
Most major insurance plans cover FDA-approved MS infusion therapies when medically necessary and prescribed by a neurologist. Prior authorization is typically required. Manufacturer copay programs are available for Ocrevus, Briumvi, and Tysabri. Our team handles benefits verification and prior authorization before your first appointment.
How do I switch infusion centers for my MS treatment?
Switching is straightforward. Contact us with your neurologist’s information and the name of your current therapy. We will coordinate with your neurologist to obtain updated orders, verify your insurance, and schedule your next infusion. You do not need to restart therapy or go through a loading dose again simply because you changed infusion centers.
Schedule Your MS Infusion Appointment
If you are looking for an outpatient Multiple Sclerosis infusion center near you, Althea Infusion works directly with your neurologist to administer prescribed therapy, coordinate scheduling, and handle insurance benefits on your behalf.
Contact us today to get started or to ask questions about your treatment options.📞 Call us: 949-667-4325 (HEAL)
