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Dr. Mattheus da Veiga JardimMedical Cannabis
PTEN
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Other conditions

Palliative care and appetite

Managing symptoms such as pain, loss of appetite, nausea and sleep problems in people with serious or advanced illness.

Moderate evidence

What it is

Palliative care is an approach that seeks comfort and quality of life for people with serious illness, at any stage. The focus is on relieving symptoms such as pain, poor appetite, nausea, anxiety and insomnia, while respecting each person's and family's values and choices.

How medical cannabis may be considered

In palliative care, the goal is comfort and quality of life. Medical cannabis may help manage several symptoms at once, always in coordination with the team caring for the patient.

What treatment aims for

  • Relieve several symptoms at once, with as few medications as possible.
  • Improve appetite, sleep and wellbeing.
  • Support the family and caregiver day to day.

Important precautions

  • Care is coordinated with the team already looking after the patient.
  • For frail people, doses start even lower, with attention to drowsiness and confusion.
  • Caregivers need to know the warning signs and have a direct line to the team.

Common questions

Can it be used with morphine and other medicines?
In many cases, yes, but the combination needs careful assessment because drowsiness can add up. Adjustments are made gradually.
Can the caregiver join the consultation?
Yes, and they're very welcome. A family member or caregiver helps tell the story and learns how to watch for the response to treatment.

Other conditions in this area

This content is educational. Whether any treatment is appropriate depends on an individual medical assessment, and results are not guaranteed.

Reading before your consultation

First consultation

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Regulation

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