Understanding Unlicensed Medication

At Cantourage Clinic, we are committed to providing comprehensive and informed care to our patients, especially when it comes to exploring alternative treatment options like medical cannabis. One critical aspect of this journey involves understanding the concept of unlicensed medications and when they might be appropriate.

What is Unlicensed Medication?

Unlicensed medications, also known as off-label drugs, refer to medicines that have not been approved by the relevant regulatory authorities for a specific condition or patient group. This means that while these medications are legally available, they have not undergone the rigorous testing and evaluation required for approval for that particular use. Unlicensed does not mean illegal; it simply indicates that the medication is being used in a manner that is not yet regulated.

When and Why Are Unlicensed Medications Used?

There are several scenarios in which unlicensed medications might be considered:

Lack of Alternatives: When no licensed medication is available for a specific condition, unlicensed drugs may be considered.
Ineffectiveness of Licensed Medications: If licensed medications have been tried and have failed to provide relief, or have caused significant side effects, unlicensed medications might be the next step.
Emerging Treatments: New treatments that show promise but have not yet completed the licensing process might be used to address unmet medical needs.

The Role of Medical Cannabis

At Cantourage Clinic, medical cannabis falls into the category of unlicensed medication. We view medical cannabis as a viable option when traditional, licensed medications have not yielded the desired outcomes. Here's why:

Criteria for When Applying for Medical Cannabis

Previous Medication Trials: Patients must have tried at least two licensed medications prescribed by a doctor. This ensures that all conventional options have been explored before turning to medical cannabis.
Documented Lack of Efficacy or Tolerance Issues: There must be clear evidence that previous treatments were ineffective or caused intolerable side effects.
Comprehensive Assessment: A thorough evaluation by our medical team to determine if medical cannabis is suitable for the patient's specific condition and circumstances.

Benefits of Medical Cannabis

Medical cannabis can offer several potential benefits for patients who have exhausted other treatment options:

Pain Management: Effective in reducing chronic pain, which might not respond well to traditional painkillers.
Symptom Relief: Can alleviate symptoms of various conditions such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and certain mental health disorders.
Quality of Life Improvement: By managing symptoms more effectively, patients can experience an overall enhancement in their quality of life.

Ensuring Safe and Effective Use

At Cantourage Clinic, patient safety and well-being are our top priorities. When considering unlicensed medications like medical cannabis, we adhere to strict protocols:

Personalised Treatment Plans: Each patient's treatment plan is tailored to their unique needs and medical history.
Close Monitoring: Regular follow-ups that patients must attend, to monitor the effectiveness and any side effects of the treatment.
Evidence-Based Approach: Our recommendations are based on the latest research and clinical evidence.
Informed Consent: Patients are provided with comprehensive information about the potential risks and benefits of using unlicensed medications, ensuring they can make informed decisions about their treatment.

Conclusion

Unlicensed medications, including medical cannabis, can provide essential relief for patients who have not found success with licensed treatments. At Cantourage Clinic, we are dedicated to exploring every viable option to improve our patients' health and quality of life. If you or a loved one is struggling with a condition that has not responded to traditional treatments, consider reaching out to us to learn more about how we can help.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit Cantourage Clinic.

By understanding the role and potential benefits of unlicensed medications, patients can make more informed decisions about their healthcare, guided by the expertise and compassionate care of the Cantourage Clinic team.