As the debate over legalizing marijuana continues across the country, it shines a light on Marinol pills, a synthetic version approved by the FDA that cannabis helps cancer patients overcome some of the unpleasant side effects of chemotherapy.
While chemotherapy kills cancer cells and reduces tumors in cancer patients, including those diagnosed with mesothelioma, it also produced some negative reactions, such as vomiting and loss appetite.
Loss of appetite is particularly problematic for patients who are recovering from cancer treatment, because a balanced diet will help you fight against dangerous infections, maintain their weight and energy, and help them bounce back to good health at a faster pace.
Although the Food and Drug Administration of the United States approved Marinol there nearly 30 years to treat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, it is interesting to note the advantages and disadvantages of the synthetic version of marijuana as the dispute over its botanical release continues.
What Marinol pills?
The Food and Drug Administration of the United States first approved Marinol pills (dronabinol) in 1985 to treat nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy. The federal agency in 1992 expanded the use of the drug for the treatment of anorexia associated with weight loss in patients with AIDS.
Marinol is a synthetic form of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active component of marijuana that gives the plant its psychoactive qualities. Unlike marijuana, Marinol can be taken orally in the form of soft gelatin capsules in 2.5mg, 5mg or 10mg doses.
The drug is usually taken one to three hours before chemotherapy, and another two to four hours after chemotherapy as indicated. A doctor or nurse decide which dose is right for you based on your body weight and drug response.
More pill Marinol
Marinol can help cancer patients have a loss of appetite to maintain adequate caloric and nutrient intake from food sources.
A 1995 study that tracked the effects of Marinol on patients with weight loss related to AIDS and anorexia have shown 38 percent of subjects taking saw increases of drugs in decreases appetite and nausea.
Marinol reduces nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy by binding to CB1 receptors in the brain that control these side effects.
Marinol side effects Pill
patients who are prescribed Marinol for the relief of symptoms of cancer should be aware of potential negative side effects ?? s the drugs.
According to the American Cancer Society, Marinol may cause drowsiness and dizziness, which can affect activities such as driving. It may also have rare and serious side effects, such as seizures, headache, confusion, vision changes, irregular heartbeat and severe or persistent dizziness.
There ?? s important to note that Marinol can lead to psychological dependence, which can lead patients become cancer addicted to drugs.
If you have drug or other serious side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Marinol pills vs marijuana
Aside from the fact that Marinol can be taken orally, there are some key differences between synthetic THC and botanical marijuana.
According to the University of New Mexico Cancer Center, Marinol provides standardized THC concentrations and does not contain the other 400 uncharacterized substances found in marijuana smoke, such as carcinogens or fungal spores.
It is also not associated with strong rapid smoke marijuana.
However, patients who have tried both say marijuana is a more effective method to relieve their symptoms.
synthetic THC lacks several therapeutic compounds or cannabinoids that are available in the natural cannabis. It is also much more effective to bind to CB1 receptors in the brain, which can trigger reactions such as seizures and psychosis.
Some mesothelioma patients also demand of cannabis oil, another alternative treatment extract of marijuana, helped strengthen their immune system to fight disease.
The future of Marinol
Marinol was originally developed because medical marijuana was not easily accessible to most cancer patients.
Although it is still not legal at the federal level, medical marijuana is now legal in 23 states and Washington, DC, making it possible for patients who live in these states to access.
cancer patients don ?? t have to go alone.
Marinol and many other herbal remedies are available to help relieve the symptoms of treatment, but always consult your doctor about which alternative therapy is right for you.
