Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1996. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
PR Newswire, 810 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10019 - Wednesday, 6 November 1996.
Based on findings from controlled clinical trials, Marinol is effective for the medicinal treatment of anorexia (loss of appetite) associated with weight loss in AIDS patients and to treat nausea and vomiting associated with certain cancer chemotherapy. Unlike marijuana, Marinol is administered in precise dosages as an oral capsule, and avoids health risks associated with smoking. There have been no controlled clinical studies to prove marijuana's safety and effectiveness.
Marinol is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is a Schedule II narcotic available only by prescription.
Marinol is a pure form of THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) that has been synthesized in the laboratory to achieve precise control of dosage and strength. The prescription drug does not contain the more than 400 other substances found in marijuana smoke, including carcinogens and fungal spores that can cause chronic air flow obstruction of the pulmonary system. The health hazards of marijuana smoke are a special concern to the seriously ill, including AIDS and cancer patients and the elderly, who may be particularly susceptible to cardiopulmonary dysfunction and pneumonia.
In the pivotal AIDS clinical trial, dropout rates due to adverse events were similar in the Marinol group (18 percent) to those in the placebo group (15 percent). Side effects in this study were generally mild and were reversed by dosage reduction.
The most frequently reported adverse experiences involved the central nervous system (CNS) and were reported by 33 percent of Marinol patients. About 25 percent of patients reported a minor CNS event during the first two weeks and about four percent reported such an event each week for the next six weeks.
Marinol has been marketed since 1985 for cancer patients and since 1992 for AIDS patients. Other Marinol controlled clinical trials have been completed or are planned for potential uses in additional medical conditions.
Unimed Pharmaceuticals develops and markets niche pharmaceutical products for AIDS, endocrinology, urology and other therapeutic areas. The company also is growing through in-licensing niche marketed and late-stage development products.
CONTACT: Stephen M. Simes of Unimed Pharmaceuticals, 847-541-2525 or Karen Yancey of Sam Huff & Associates, 847-382-7404
Copyright (c) 1996/PR NewsWire. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Permissions Desk, PR Newswire, 810 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10019.
961106
PR961107
Copyright © 1996 - PRNewswire. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through PRNewswire, Permissions, 810 Seventh Ave., 32nd Floor, New York, NY 10019 http://www.prnewswire.com.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1996. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 1996. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .