What is the Cost of Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment in Bengaluru?

Psoriatic Arthritis Care in Bengaluru: Full Treatment Pathway

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory condition that affects joints and is associated with the skin disease psoriasis. It is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, particularly joints and skin, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and sometimes skin lesions and nail changes.

Psoriatic arthritis treatment in Bengaluru aims to reduce inflammation, ease symptoms, prevent joint damage, and improve quality of life. This is achieved through a combination of self‑care (such as physiotherapy, diet, weight control, and smoking cessation), non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease‑modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and, when needed, biologic therapies or newer agents targeting specific immune molecules.

Let’s understand the psoriatic arthritis treatment pathway in more detail!  

What is the Treatment Approach for Psoriatic Arthritis in Bengaluru?

The treatment for psoriatic arthritis follows a pathway with several stages, depending on the severity of the condition. Here is a detailed overview:

First Stage: Self-Care and NSAIDs

Initially, doctors in Bengaluru typically recommend lifestyle changes like maintaining a balanced, anti‑inflammatory diet, managing stress, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol. Gentle exercise and physical therapy may also help reduce symptoms and preserve mobility.

If symptoms persist, oral NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen are prescribed to relieve joint pain and swelling. These are widely administered first‑line medicines, although long‑term use must be monitored due to possible stomach or kidney side effects.

Second Stage: Conventional DMARDs

When NSAIDs alone are not enough, doctors move to DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs), medications that suppress the immune system to slow disease progression.

As per the American College of Rheumatology, the most frequently used DMARDs to manage psoriatic arthritis include methotrexate, sulfasalazine, leflunomide, and cyclosporine. In some cases, azathioprine may also be recommended.

Third Stage: Biologics and Targeted Therapies

If conventional DMARDs are insufficient, especially in cases with severe joint inflammation or extensive skin involvement, the doctor may prescribe biologic agents. These are advanced medications targeting specific immune pathways.

Biologics are typically administered through injections or infusions. There are two main categories approved for treating psoriatic arthritis:

1. Group 1 : Anti-TNF-alpha Drugs - They work by targeting a specific protein made by immune cells that triggers inflammation. Examples include etanercept, adalimumab, golimumab, infliximab, and certolizumab.
2. Group 2 :  Ustekinumab - It blocks interleukin-12 and interleukin-23, two proteins that promote inflammation. Although these treatments are often highly effective, they can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infections.

Biologic therapies for psoriasis in India tend to be expensive, with the overall cost depending on the type of drug, dosage, and length of treatment. Below is a summary of some widely used biologic medications, along with their approximate pricing:

Note: Prices in the table are estimates and are subject to change.

What Factors Affect the Cost of Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment in Bengaluru?

The cost of treating psoriasis can vary widely depending on several key factors, which are as follows:

1. Type of Treatment Selected : Psoriasis therapies include topical applications, phototherapy, and biologic medications, each varying in price.
2. Disease Severity : The severity of the condition plays a significant role in the cost. Mild cases may be managed with basic topical solutions. More severe or widespread psoriasis often needs a combination of therapies, which can significantly raise overall expenses.
3. Duration of Treatment : As psoriasis is a long-term skin condition, consistent management over time becomes necessary, increasing the cumulative cost.
4. Location of Treatment : Urban centres such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi typically have higher costs due to modern infrastructure and specialised clinics. Smaller towns may offer more affordable care, though access to advanced treatments may be limited.

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition affecting both skin and joints. In Bengaluru, diagnosis and treatment are widely available at experienced centres. The approach begins with lifestyle and NSAIDs, advances to affordable DMARDs, and, if required, escalates to biologic or targeted therapies.

Costs vary widely, from minimal expenses for methotrexate to several lakhs per year for biologic treatments, but effective management is commonly attainable, led by trained rheumatologists at hospitals across Bengaluru.