There is a drug Called Remicade/Infliximab that is used to treat Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Currently it is not on the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme). Meaning that if you get to the point of having to use this drug as a last resort before surgery or to try to close a fistulae, you are looking at $1,006.25 per infusion (the vial is a measly 100mg).

Many, many sufferers of Crohn’s, U/C and even rheumatoid arthritis have been given a second chance at a normal life with the use of regular Infliximab infusions. Unfortunatley, how many of us can afford it? They say that you put no price on your health, but the sad fact is, that if you don’t have the money there isn’t a whole lot you can do about it. This drug is used to to block a certain protein called tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in people with autoimmune diseases. (TNF-alpha, when produced in higher than average amounts, causes imflammation within the intestinal tract, leading to damage to the bowel walls.) It is a godsend for people who can tolerate it and one-third of patients treated with infliximab achieve remission of their disease.

There is a petition on www.infliximab.org that us Crohnnies and U/cer’s have been putting our names to, screaming to have Infliximab put onto the PBS. This support of names will be given to Health Minister Mr Tony Abbott, in hopes that he will gain an understanding of how important this is.

I do not have to take this drug right now, as my Crohn’s is controlled with other medications, but that is not to say that I may never need it. If that day comes I hope that this petition will have had its desired outcome. Its not fair that it seems only the rich can afford this drug.

Please support us, sign your name!!