Der Schmerz
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On March 10th 2017, the law amending narcotic and other regulations was expanded, thereby allowing physicians, irrespective of their specialization, to prescribe cannabis-derived medicines as magistral formulas or proprietary medicinal products at the expense of the German statutory health insurance (GKV). First prescription requires approval from the respective health insurance, which in turn commissions the Medical Advisory Board of the Statutory Health Insurance Funds (MDK) to prepare a medico-legal report. ⋯ Numerous problems reported elsewhere and relating to prescription of cannabis-derived medicines were also observed by the MDK Nord. Many prescriptions reflected an uncertainty regarding therapeutic use of cannabis-derived medicines. Thus, one should consider restricting the prescription of cannabis-derived medicines to selected specialists. It should be noted that, in individual cases, e.g., patients suffering from neuropathic pain, treatment with cannabis-derived medicines seems to be a reasonable therapeutic option taking into account the risks and benefits.
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Geriatric patients often suffer from a long history of pain and have a limited life expectancy. Cannabinoid receptor agonists like dronabinol may be an effective, low-risk treatment option for geriatric patients with chronic pain. ⋯ This study is one of the few analyses of the use of Dronabinol in geriatric patients. We show that cannabis-based drugs (in this case dronabinol) are an effective, low-risk treatment option that should be considered early in therapy. Regarding the indication spectrum, further clinical studies and an approval-free test phase are necessary.
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Since the adoption of the law of March 6, 2017, any German physician can prescribe medical cannabis flowers and cannabis-based magistral and finished medicinal products. No specific indications for prescriptions are provided in the law. The statutory health insurance companies bear the costs once an application for cost coverage has been approved by the Medical Service of the Health Funds. ⋯ The medical associations make the following appeal to journalists: To report on the medical benefits and risks of cannabis-based medicines in a balanced manner. To physicians: to prescribe cannabis-based medicines with caution; to prefer magistral and finished medicinal products over cannabis flowers. To politicians: to consider data according to the standards of evidence-based medicine when making decisions and provide financial support for medical research into cannabis-based medicines.
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The treatment of any causal, procedure-specific and/or concomitant acute pain is an essential quality feature in any surgical subspecialty. An interdisciplinary and interprofessional pain therapy aims for an immediate improvement of the patients' quality of life, a reduction of the risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality in the medium term, prevention of any pain chronification in the long run as well as a reduction of hospitalization and sick leave. ⋯ In view of the continuously developing scientific evidence, updated guideline recommendations and interprofessionally designed treatment pathways, these agreements have been adapted to the current requirements and structural conditions of the German healthcare system. Thus, both aforementioned professional associations promote an up to date version of an "Agreement for the Organization of Pain Therapy for Surgical Patients", a precise recommendation and a manual for the acting partners in order to realize the abovementioned goals.