Over the past few years there has been increased interest from Australian's in the use of plant based medicine for medicinal purposes. Commonwealth, state and territory governments have used existing laws or passed specific laws to allow the prescribing and dispensing of medicinal plant based medicine products, as well as plant based medicine cultivation and manufacture for medicinal purposes.
According to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), there have been very few well-designed clinical trials using plant based medicine, so there is limited evidence on its success in treating different medical conditions, or on effective forms and drug interactions.
Some medical conditions have seen positive results from the use of plant based medicine such as epilepsy in children, Multiple sclerosis, nausea and vomiting and some types of pain, however it is clear that more research is required to fully understand the risks and benefits of plant based medicine.
Just like any other medication, plant based medicine products can have side effects that affect people differently. These may include fatigue and sedation, vertigo, nausea and vomiting, fever, confusion, appetite increase or decrease, dry mouth and cognitive distortion (hallucinations and untrue thoughts).
Generally, people with an active or previous psychotic or active mood or anxiety disorder, women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding and people with unstable cardiovascular disease are generally not recommended to begin treatment with plant based medicine.
Patients should not drive or operate machinery while being treated with plant based medicine. In addition measurable concentrations of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol – the main psychoactive substance in plant based medicine) can be detected in urine many days after the last dose. It may take up to five days for 80 to 90 per cent of the dose to be excreted.
Drug-driving is a criminal offence, and patients should discuss the implications for safe and legal driving with their doctor.
Patients should not drive or operate machinery while being treated with plant based medicine. In addition measurable concentrations of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol – the main psychoactive substance in plant based medicine) can be detected in urine many days after the last dose. It may take up to five days for 80 to 90 per cent of the dose to be excreted.
Drug-driving is a criminal offence, and patients should discuss the implications for safe and legal driving with their doctor.
According to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), there have been very few well-designed clinical trials using plant based medicine, so there is limited evidence on its success in treating different medical conditions, or on effective forms and drug interactions.
Some medical conditions have seen positive results from the use of plant based medicine such as epilepsy in children, Multiple sclerosis, nausea and vomiting and some types of pain, however it is clear that more research is required to fully understand the risks and benefits of plant based medicine.
Basger's Pharmacy has been proudly serving the community for over 70 years. The Basger's name has always been at the forefront of patient care and advice.
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