Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Anti-tnf meds in Australia

Is there anyone out there who has used anti-tnf meds in Australia? If so, what were the criteria they used to determine you could access these meds through the PBS. At what stage were you at with AS when you commenced these meds? What was the response? Any side effects?

I'm in Canada, but I believe Remicade is being covered in Australia. I recall a few years ago when they finally made it so people who are HLA-B27- can get Remicade.

I think Enbrel is, too, but you'd have to talk to one of our Oz members to know for sure.

Hugs,

When tnfs originally became available the criteria for AS was the same as RA, another words had to be minimum of 3 joints affected, this link will help to explain. http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/provider/pbs/drugs1/ankylosing.jsp#N10084

As I understand it naisids need to be used and have caused an adverse reaction, you must satisfy 2 of the 5 Bath criteria for AS. But there is a lot of reading in this link, if you can not click this link you may have to copy and paste.

For others around the world this may provide an interesting read as to how our medicare system works in Australia, which basically requires doctors to tick the appropiate boxes and becomes very clinical because if you do not fit the boxes you will get nothing and reading some posts suggest this may be the case in your country and is worthwhile looking at before seeing your doctor so you can understand the restrictions they are placed under.

Cheers Phil

Hi

Enbrel Remicade Humira and Simponi are all available on the PBS in Oz. The criteria is strict....I've pm-d you my experience.

Cheers

Noelene

Hi mate,
From a previous thread, the checklist is as below
1. Negative for TB test (thru Xray)
2. SI joints Xray (to say Grade II bilateral or III unilateral Sacrolitis)
3. Blood Report ESR>25 and CRP>15 units
4. BASMI assesment (limited flexion of spine)
5. Trial of atleast 2 different NSAIDs, with prescribed exercise program
More info at http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/provider/pbs/drugs1/ankylosing.jsp

i have been on Humira for 10months now. Life is beautiful again.

Thanks to everyone for your advice regarding this. Unfortunately I don't fit the criteria as I have only been recently diagnosed (and probably never would have been if I wasn't a Physiotherapist and had diagnosed myself before this was confirmed by the rheumatologist!) I don't have sacroiliitis on x-ray (only on bonescan) and still have reasonable range in my low back.

It's a shame that this treatment only becomes available if and when we are considered 'severe'!

Is this the same in other countries as well? (Maybe I should consider relocating )

Thanks again for your advice!

Hi

Your bloods don't have to be above the levels Ansh said...mine were not that high just above normal and my rheumy told me that was all that was needed. Alots of people with AS show no inflammation in the results but still have it.
I also have quite alot of mobility in my lower spine...it just gets stiff and sore though.

Cheers
Noelene

Hi everyone, I am new to the forum. I was diagnosed with HLA B27 related AS 7 years ago when I was about 13 years old. I have been on Humira for about a year and am doing really well on Humira.

My dilemma is that I am due to travel for about 6 months to Australia and hopefully New Zealand. I gather there is a reciprocal agreemnt with Aus for provision of treatment such as Humira but getting it is not easy. Has anyone managed to travel to AUs and NZ and get their meds regularly?

I have read soem comments about taking syringes of Humira in cooler boxes, but as I am back packing, I am unsure hgow reliable this would be for me. Any suggestions?

hi charles, not so sure... may be "medicare" might have some info on it.

Does anyone know of cooler boxes or mobile refrigeration options for back packers?

Charles
HLA B27+ AS since 2004