Need Help on the Insurance coverage in India

[anandmsteds]

Hi Friends,

I am suffering from Crohn's Disease and after so many tests doctor advised me to take either
Remicade (Infliximab) IV
Humira (Adalimumab) Injection

I did some research on these two medications and both are expensive.
Currently I am in California and my insurance will cover both medicines. But after 1 year I have to go back to India. And I am not sure about the cost of these medicines in India and I am also not sure whether it will be covered by any medical insurance.

Can anyone help me to find out whether there is any medical insurance in India that covers these two medicines. Please let me know the details.

Thanks
Anand

 

[Madhu]

Hi Anand

I am an Indian too, in NJ now. My husband has Crohn's and is on Remicade here. As far as I know, you don't have much awareness about Crohn's in India and there are only few specialists. We feel lucky to be here at this time. Even if you have to get treated in India, they will import Remicade/Humira from here and the cost will not be covered by insurance there. You know we have a different insurance system in India. I would suggest you start on your medication now and get better from it first. My husband is feeling like a new person within 2 months of Remicade. I know it has to go on for a long time, but once you are officially declared in remission, you don't have to keep taking the medications if your GI says so. You have to keep checking regularly though, which can be done in India. And try to stay here as long as possible just for treatment sake

I hope you feel better soon. Pls feel free to ask any questions you have. I can help you with Indian diet too.

Aarthi

 

[my little penguin]

Aarthi
Remicade is not short term
Once you reach remission on it
You have to keep taking it to maintain that remission
Stopping remicade will build antibodies to the medicine and prevent you from using remicade in the future
It typically causes a flare up if you stop biologics.
The same is true for humira .

Most crohns meds regardless are taken for life to maintain remission and are only stopped. Once they stop working

Good luck

 

[Madhu]

Aarthi
Remicade is not short term
Once you reach remission on it
You have to keep taking it to maintain that remission
Stopping remicade will build antibodies to the medicine and prevent you from using remicade in the future
It typically causes a flare up if you stop biologics.
The same is true for humira .

Most crohns meds regardless are taken for life to maintain remission and are only stopped. Once they stop working

Good luck

I asked my husband's GI if he has to be on it forever. He said not forever, but he definitely needs to be on it for minimum 1-2 yrs. He also said at one point he may be able to come off it and keep checking regularly. That's what I meant by that But as you said, I have heard people developing antibodies to it once stopped too.

 

[anandmsteds]

Thank you both for your response.

My doctor told me that i need to take the medication forever.

Also can you suggest which one will give good results between Remicade(Infliximab) IV and Humira (Adalimumab) Injection.

If both are good, then I would probable go with Humira as it might be cheaper than Remicade.

 

[my little penguin]

The most current studies done on remicade don't support stopping the meds and maintaining remission
Generally patients flare once the meds are stopped and it's harder to get into control
I would suggest you look over some research papers to discuss with your GI

As far as remicade and humira
Ds has been on both
Both work