Remicade in India - anyone?

[Madhu]

Hi all,

We are currently in USA and my husband is on Remicade here. His employer now hints he might have to move to India We are worried as to what will happen to his Crohn's treatment. Is there anyone getting Remicade infusions in India? We will be at Chennai but we can probably travel to any other state too for the infusion. Also, is insurance covering the infusions?

Thanks
Aarthi

 

[idlebrain]

Hi Aarthi,
Sorry to know about the situation. Unfortunately, I don't think insurance covers Remicade nor is routinely available. I reserched into it a while ago without much luck/help. Some hospitals in metros may have it available on an as-needed basis but the cost may be prohibitive for periodic infusions.

What is your husband's current condition? Is he at or near remission? The difficult but logical approach may be to try to switch jobs before it is too late.

 

[Madhu]

Thanks idlebrain. That is what we are trying for now! Hoping for the best.

He is not in remission yet but remicade seems to be working. He feels a lot better and the GI will look at an MRI only next year to check progress.

 

[Maya142]

We used to live in India and when we were there, we were told that biologics were only used for the short term and not as long-term treatments there, because the TB risk is too high.

So for example, they'd give you one shot of Humira and then send you on your way if you were flaring.

This was quite a few years ago and it may have changed. I do know that biologics are still used as a last-resort there, again because of the infection risk but I don't know if they're using them as long-term treatments now. Last we checked, they did have Remicade there.

Good luck!

 

[idlebrain]

Hi Aarthi,
I know how it is dealing with all these uncertainities on top of the condition itself. Been there.
Good luck and I hope things work out in your favor.

 

[Madhu]

We used to live in India and when we were there, we were told that biologics were only used for the short term and not as long-term treatments there, because the TB risk is too high.

So for example, they'd give you one shot of Humira and then send you on your way if you were flaring.

This was quite a few years ago and it may have changed. I do know that biologics are still used as a last-resort there, again because of the infection risk but I don't know if they're using them as long-term treatments now. Last we checked, they did have Remicade there.

Good luck!

Thanks Maya! Do you have any hospital info or doctors we can call to check? Where did you check in India?

 

[Maya142]

Delhi - and it was with a rheumatologist since my daughter had only been diagnosed with juvenile arthritis then - the Crohn's came later.