Kickas.org Forums Treatments, Drugs and Alternatives Anti TNF and other biological medications Australia - Getting onto TNF's? How's

Hi All,
Need some advice on how to get Adalubmin Injections?
My specialist told me that i need to have ESr>25 and CRP>15. I have got 43 and 17 repsectively in the recent test. Is that all thats required? or are there more hoops to jump?

Hi,

It took me a while to find out what the injections you mentioned were. I think you meant Adalimumab? I'm not sure if this is prescribed in Oz. The most common anti-TNF here I believe is called Remicade (also known as infliximab?).

There are quite a few hoops to jump through before Medicare will accept you as an elgibile user, I'm afraid.

Firstly - on top of the test results - they will ask you to fill out a questionnaire about pain levels and level of disability. Exaggerate if need be! When I did this, I actually score too low! Even though I've had AS for over 20 years and most of my spine is fused and I usually have at least some pain somewhere. It's because I am so used to the pain and discomfort that I tend to understate it.

Then you will have to provide proof that you've tried physio for 3 months. I don't know how many appointments you need to have done. I believe my rheumy was prepared to actually lie about this and just cross it off the list! And they need to prescribe you some old anti-inflammatory drug which noone actually uses anymore! It just hasn't been updated on the Medicare list or something.

It's bureaucracy gone mad, but if you find a good specialist to help you, it shouldn't be too hard to get there. But you may have to wait 3 months. Hang in there!

Thanks Lin,
Have done the BADAI (?) assessment and have done the paperwork for exercise and multiple anti inflammatory drugs. So i guess this is the moment of truth.
Sorry for the spelling, had no idea what it is called

Does Medicare take you off it? say if ESR and CRP drops?

Hi,I have been on Humira injections for the past 2yrs.
Not sure how things are now, but there were lots of hoops when I was applying for it.
X-rays had to show AS, My ESR was 104, had to have special TB test, & had to have the gene HLA-b27.
best of luck
Mez
Vic

Ah, now Google gives me the Adalimumab when I search for Humira!

This explains the process: http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/provider/pbs/drugs1/ankylosing.jsp

It includes the actual application form. It actually doesn't look as daunting as I thought it was. I never finished the program years ago because my then rheumy (curse her!) told me I'd have to go to a physio for 3 months.

HI Ansh,

Not sure if the general public have access to this site, but try this link:

http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/provider/pbs/drugs1/ankylosing.jsp

I accessed it through work...

Louise

Quote:

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It took me a while to find out what the injections you mentioned were. I think you meant Adalimumab? I'm not sure if this is prescribed in Oz.

---

AKA: Humira.

Yes, it is prescribed here in Oz.

Snap, Louise. I posted before I read your post...

Interesting read. I'm feeling very torn about whether to try it or not. The cumbersome application process was what made me lean towards not trying it. Though the fear of my immune system being messed with is the real factor that holds me back.

Good Stuff, thanks guys.
The medicare website, asks for Xray. Now I am not sure if my xray's did say Grade II or Grade III. Waitign by the phone, for the rheumy to ring and let meknow.. if he has enough info.

Hi Ansh,

How did you go with your application for Humira?

I'm a little late in my reply but I had to go through the whole application process not long ago - I recently had my fourth injection. Although the application seems a little overwhelming it's not so bad - most is easy to get around one way or another apart from the labs which you have and the xray report. Once the application has been sent medicare should get back to you quite quickly.

Hope it is all working out for you!

Lee