TNF Blockers - Cost of TNF Blockers Bankrupting Patients? What to Do If You Can't Afford Medication

TNF Alpha inhibitors are the next generation prescription drugs for treating individuals with chronic inflammatory disease. Over the last decade physicians have become increasingly more confident in prescribing drugs like Enbrel, Remicade, Humira, and other TNF Alpha blocking medications that have come on the market recently.

TNF Alpha or (Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine and a primary mediator of the inflammatory response. Doctors have learned that, in the case of numerous auto-immune diseases, blocking or inhibiting TNF will lessen the symptoms of many of these conditions. TNF medications have been extremely helpful in reducing symptoms and even sending the disease into remission in cases such as rheumatoid arthritis, crohn's disease, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Unfortunately, these drugs are extremely expensive and patients must regularly weigh the cost versus the benefit of remaining on these prescription meds. On one hand they are extremely effective at treating the underlying cause of chronic inflammation, but on the other hand, individuals are faced with a hefty burden on their bank account to remain on the medications.

It is estimated that the cost of a one year supply of Enbrel can reach into the $25,000 range per patient. Depending on a patients prescription plan (if they have one) the costs can vary from patient to patient. However, ultimately the patient will need to decide if the benefit of the treatment is worth the cost. So what should patients know that may help them if they can't afford to pay for their anti-TNF drugs?

Oftentimes the drug manufacturers may have a prescription help plan where the patient may be able to receive discounts. You should always see if there is a payment help plan. However, if a patient does not qualify or still can't afford their medication even with help they may want to talk with their physician about supplementing their diet with medicinal foods that have been shown to inhibit Tumor Necrosis Factor naturally.

There are several plants and extracts that have demonstrated an ability to inhibit TNF Alpha. Supplementing your diet with these nutrients may have a beneficial effect as a compliment or alternative option to your current treatment. Physicians are increasingly recommending nutritional supplementation to improve their patients' wellbeing as well as their pocket books. An additional benefit of trying to control TNF Alpha levels through nutritional supplementation is the reduction of the risk of dangerous side effects that are associated with prescription grade biologic TNF Alpha inhibitors.