What is the Monthly Cost of Enbrel Treatment in India for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis?

Enbrel Price in India: Monthly Cost, Factors & Additional Expenses

Enbrel (Etanercept) is a biological medication used to treat autoimmune conditions, such as psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Enbrel works by blocking tumour necrosis factor (TNF), a substance involved in systemic inflammation.

Although Enbrel has demonstrated considerable effectiveness in treating symptoms and enhancing quality of life, its high cost in India remains a significant concern for patients, given the long-term nature of the treatment.

Continue reading to gain a detailed understanding of the monthly cost of Enbrel in India.

What is the Overall Cost of Enbrel Treatment in India?

The average monthly cost of Enbrel treatment in India generally depends on the dosage, source of procurement, and frequency of administration.

• Dosage: Enbrel is usually given as a 50 mg subcutaneous injection once a week for adults with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. A single prefilled syringe (50 mg) can cost approximately ₹12,000 to ₹30,000.
• Monthly Cost: Since most patients require four doses per month, the cumulative cost can range from ₹48,000 to ₹80,000 per month.
   

Generic or biosimilar versions of Enbrel, such as Etacept (by Cipla) or Intacept, are available in India at lower prices, which can reduce monthly costs to ₹30,000 to ₹45,000 in some cases. However, effectiveness and patient response may differ slightly.

What is the Enbrel Post-Treatment Procurement and Their Expenses?

Using Enbrel is not a one-time treatment—it often continues for months or years. Therefore, long-term management involves:

• Monitoring: Regular blood tests such as CBC (complete blood count), liver, and kidney function test every 2–3 months (₹1,000–₹4,000) are necessary. Tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis tests may also be required before starting Enbrel treatment.
• Storage Expenses: Enbrel must be stored in a refrigerator at a temperature of 2 °C to 8°C. Patients at home will require a compact, doctor-grade refrigerator costing around ₹10,000 initially.
• Injection Assistance: Some patients may hire home nursing services to administer Enbrel (₹300–₹700 per visit), although training for self-injection is usually provided free of charge at tertiary centers.
• Adverse Effect Management: The cost to manage infections, skin eruptions, or other side effects can vary, potentially amounting to ₹1,000–₹5,000 per month.

What are the Factors Affecting Enbrel Treatment Cost?

The following are several key factors that affect the total cost of Enbrel treatment in India:

• Type of Product: Original Enbrel is more expensive compared to Indian biosimilars, such as Etacept or Intacept injections.
• Location: Metro locations tend to be pricier due to their modern facilities, specialised staff, and advanced medical infrastructure.
• Dosage and Frequency: Increasing the dosage during flare-ups can lead to higher monthly treatment costs and injection expenses.
• Health Insurance: Health insurance coverage options can partially cover Enbrel and other biologic medications.
• Diagnostic Tests: Routine tests for blood, liver, and infection monitoring typically add ₹1,000–₹4,000
• Injection Method: Home nursing incurs additional costs per visit; however, self-injection training is usually provided free of charge at hospitals.

Does Health Insurance Cover Enbrel for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis?

Coverage for high-cost outpatient drugs like Enbrel is very limited in standard Indian health insurance policies. It is crucial to meticulously read the policy wording. Some plans may cover it under a 'Day Care' clause or specific critical illness riders, but this is not the norm. Patients should not assume their insurance will cover this treatment and must verify directly with their provider.

Patients should explore all insurance options carefully. When evaluating a policy, specifically ask about coverage for pre-existing conditions, outpatient treatments, and high-cost biologic medications. Request the policy wording and confirm coverage in writing before purchasing.

Enbrel is a powerful, targeted treatment for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, but with a monthly cost ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹80,000, it remains out of reach for many patients in India. Biosimilars can significantly reduce medication expenses; however, fees for monitoring, injections, and consultations still exist.

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