THE TGA has released a new patient information document on medicinal cannabis, noting that there is "limited evidence on its success in treating different medical conditions, or on effective forms and dosages".
The guide gives background on studies of medicinal cannabis use to treat epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, chronic non-cancer pain, chemotherapy induced nausea & vomiting in cancer and palliative care, reiterating that much of the research is inconclusive apart from its use for certain childhood epilepsies, where improved quality of life has been reported.
There are also details around medicinal cannabis access, advising consumers that apart from Nabiximols they are not registered medicines in Australia and none are subsidised via the PBS.
"They can only be accessed through special pathways available for unapproved medicines," with a variety of products currently available via these arrangements and expectations that similar items made from locally grown cannabis will become available during 2018.
"There is a significant need for larger, high-quality studies to explore the potential benefits, limitations and safety issues associated with medicinal cannabis treatment across a range of health conditions and symptoms," the guide concludes - see tga.gov.au.
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