Are specialty medications for chronic diseases available in India
Chronic diseases are no longer a whispered concern—they’re a roaring reality for millions in India. From diabetes to cancer, chronic respiratory diseases to rheumatoid arthritis, these conditions don’t just impact lives—they alter them. Managing such diseases often calls for specialty medicines that are planned to target specific aspects of these diseases. But here’s the real question: Are these specialty medications readily available in India? Let’s dive in.
What Are Specialty Medications, and Why Are They Important?
First, let’s break it down. Specialty medications are not your run-of-the-mill tablets. These are advanced medicines that are designed to treat complex, chronic, or rare conditions like cancer, multiple sclerosis, hemophilia, or hepatitis C. They’re often expensive, require special handling, and sometimes even specific administration methods like injections or infusions.
Why are they game-changers? Because they can slow disease progression, improve quality of your life, and in some cases, even save lives. For example:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) medicines like interferons help manage symptoms and reduce relapses.
- Cancer medicines like targeted therapies attack cancer cells without harming normal tissues.
- Rheumatoid arthritis medications, such as biologics, work on a molecular level to control inflammation and prevent joint damage.
The Chronic Disease Burden in India
India is facing an epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs account for 63% of all deaths in India, with cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, cancer, and diabetes being the leading causes.
And here’s the kicker: The burden isn’t just health-related. It’s financial. Treating chronic diseases, especially with specialty medications, can cost a fortune. This is where the accessibility of these drugs in India becomes a critical issue.
Specialty Medications Availability in India: The Good News
India has improved its reach in delivering specialized drugs. Here is how India has achieved this task:
- Homegrown Pharma Giants
Some of the Indian companies are among the leading pharmaceuticals of the world, like:
- Sun Pharmaceuticals: This company specializes in making cancer and skin medications.
- GSK India: Advanced inhalers and biologics for respiratory diseases.
- Glenmark Pharmaceuticals: Novel therapies for asthma, and COPD, etc.
All these companies are not only making specialty medicines but also shipping these medicines worldwide which indicates that India is a center for innovative affordable medicines.
- Emergence of Specialty Pharmacies
One more reshaping element in the medical field in India has been specialty pharmacies like MrMed. Such pharmacies focus on the nursing and counseling needed for the medications that require special storage and handling. Generally, these are pharmacies that sell hemophilia drugs and even oncology medications and other drugs.
- The Role of Online Pharmacies
There has been a growth of online pharmacies like 1mg, MrMed, Apollo Pharmacy and Netmeds that have contributed anonymous access as well. These platforms generally sell specialty medicines at lower prices and have begun home delivers making it a bit easier for people who have these chronic diseases.
Challenges in Accessing Specialty Medications
Despite the progress, it’s not all rainbows and unicorns. Patients in India still face hurdles like:
1. Cost
Specialty medications can cost anywhere from a few thousand to several lakhs per month. For instance:
- Hepatitis C medicines can cost upwards of ₹30,000 for a single course.
- Advanced cancer medicines like immunotherapy can run into lakhs.
2. Awareness
Many patients and even doctors are unaware of the availability of newer specialty treatments. For instance, biologics for rheumatoid arthritis are often underutilized due to a lack of awareness.
3. Geographical Barriers
While metro cities boast specialty pharmacies and advanced hospitals, rural areas are still underserved. Imagine having the right medication exist but being miles away from it.
Exclusive Tips to Navigate Specialty Medications in India
Here’s where things get practical. If you or someone you know needs specialty medications, these tips can help:
- Research Online Use platforms like MrMed or Apollo Pharmacy to check availability and compare prices. Some online pharmacies even offer EMI options.
- Consult Specialty Clinics Centers dedicated to diseases like cancer or multiple sclerosis often have partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, making it easier to access these medications.
- Leverage Patient Assistance Programs Companies like GSK India and Sun Pharmaceuticals often run patient support programs offering free or subsidized medication. Ask your healthcare provider about these options.
- Stay Updated Join patient communities on platforms like Facebook or Reddit. These groups often share valuable information about medication availability and cost-saving tips.
Real Stats That Matter
Let’s back this up with some data:
- Respiratory diseases account for over 10% of the disease burden in India, yet only 20% of asthma patients use inhalers, a key specialty treatment.
- The market for cancer medicines in India is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11%, hitting ₹15,000 crore by 2027.
- Online pharmacies in India are estimated to grow at 25% annually, making specialty medications more accessible than ever before.
The Future of Specialty Medications in India
The future is promising. Advances in personalized medicine, like targeted therapies and gene editing, are set to redefine treatment for chronic diseases. Additionally, initiatives like Ayushman Bharat aim to make healthcare—including specialty medications—more affordable for the masses.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What medications are considered specialty medications?
Specialty medicines are medications that are used to treat complex or chronic conditions that typically require special handling, administration or monitoring. They are often expensive and maybe biologics, which are derived from living organisms. Medications for cancer, multiple sclerosis, rheumatid arthritis, HIV/AIDS are few common examples.
2. Which condition is most likely to be treated with a specialty medication?
Specialty medicines are used for the following conditions:
- Cancer
- Rheumatid arthritis
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis C
- Multiple sclerosis
3. What are specialty tier drugs?
Specialty tier drugs refer to medications placed in the highest cost-sharing category of a health insurance formulary. These drugs often require patients to pay a percentage of the medication’s cost (coinsurance) rather than a fixed copayment. Specialty tier drugs typically include high-cost biologics, gene therapies, and drugs for rare diseases.
4. How do super-specialty medicines differ from regular medications?
Super-specialty medicines are advanced drugs designed for specific, often life-threatening or complex conditions, such as cancer, organ transplants, and rare genetic disorders. They may require specialized storage, administration, and monitoring by healthcare professionals. Regular medications, on the other hand, are used for common conditions like infections, pain, or hypertension and do not require the same level of expertise or care in handling.
5. Where can I buy super-specialty medicines in India?
Super-specialty medicines in India can be purchased from:
- Super specialty pharmacies: Pharmacies like MrMed and Tata 1mg specialize in providing these medications.
- Hospital pharmacies: Large hospitals with super-specialty departments often stock these medicines.
- Online platforms: Trusted online pharmacies such as MrMed Pharmacy App and Netmeds cater to the demand for specialty drugs.
Always ensure that you buy from licensed and reputable sources.
6. Are super-specialty medicines covered by insurance in India?
Yes, super-specialty medicines may be covered under health insurance plans in India, but coverage depends on the terms and conditions of the policy. Some policies specifically include high-cost treatments like chemotherapy, biologics, and immunotherapies. However, there may be limits on reimbursement, and certain policies might exclude pre-existing conditions or impose waiting periods. It’s essential to check with your insurer for detailed coverage information.
Final Thoughts
Though you are living with a chronic disease in India, there are plenty of treatments and specialty medications available to you. However, the key is to know where to go and who are the right people to approach. By checking with a doctor, shopping online for drugs, or talking to a specialty pharmacy, a little research opportunity can be the best way to end the disparities of need and availability.
Because, in reality, managing a chronic disease is not merely about surviving—it’s also about flourishing. Similarly, for instance, the exact recipe can bring tremendous effects.
So, let’s keep the conversation going. If you’ve got questions, experiences, or tips about specialty medications in India, drop them in the comments below. Let’s learn from each other and make chronic disease management just a bit easier for everyone.
Written by MrMed, we are dedicated to providing genuine specialty medications with savings of up to 85%, delivered directly to your doorstep. Download the MrMed App now!