Dronabinol in Switzerland — synthetic THC as magistral preparation
Dronabinol is pure synthetic (–)-trans-Δ⁹-THC in oil. In Switzerland it has been the most prescribed THC magistral preparation for decades — for pain, chemo nausea and appetite loss.
Pure synthetic THC without CBD or terpenes.
Most common THC magistral preparation in Swiss pharmacies.
Standard concentration: 25 mg THC/ml in oil (MCT or sesame).
Starting dose: 2× 1 drop/day, titration to effect.
Price: CHF 300–600/month depending on dose (watch pharmacy surcharges).
What is dronabinol?
Dronabinol is the INN for synthetic (–)-trans-Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol — identical to the THC molecule from the cannabis plant. In Switzerland it is most often prepared as an oil solution (25 mg/ml) by specialised pharmacies (magistral preparation).
Unlike full-spectrum cannabis extracts, dronabinol contains no other cannabinoids (CBD, CBG) or terpenes — no entourage effect, but very precisely dosable.
Use and dosing
Starting dose: 2.5 mg (1 drop at 25 mg/ml) 1–2× daily. Weekly increase of 2.5 mg per single dose to effective dose. Typical maintenance dose: 10–30 mg/day divided into 2–3 doses.
Taking with a fatty meal improves bioavailability. Oral onset: 30–90 minutes, duration 4–8 hours.
Price and coverage
Manufacturing cost of dronabinol 10 ml (25 mg/ml) in Swiss pharmacies: CHF 300–450. At average daily dose of 15 mg, 10 ml lasts ~16 days — monthly cost CHF 400–600 (with pharmacy taxes).
KVG coverage: not standard. Only after prior approval in cases of documented failure of conventional treatments. Supplementary insurance sometimes covers it.
Side effects and precautions
Common: fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, tachycardia. At higher doses: euphoria, anxiety, confusion, orthostatic hypotension.
Contraindications: active psychosis, severe heart failure, pregnancy. Driving ban during titration and acute dose changes.
Is dronabinol the same as cannabis?
Only partially. Dronabinol is pure THC without CBD/CBN/terpenes. Full-spectrum extracts (e.g. Sativex®) contain several cannabinoids — the action profile differs.
How much does dronabinol cost per month?
At average dose (15 mg/day): about CHF 400–600, depending on pharmacy and concentration. Higher doses proportionally more.
Does insurance cover dronabinol?
Basic insurance: only with prior approval, mostly oncology/palliative. Supplementary insurance more often — check policy.
Can I take dronabinol daily?
At stable dose yes, but driving ban during titration and acute dose changes. FEDRO notification sometimes needed.
How does it differ from THC flowers?
Flowers contain the full cannabinoid and terpene profile (entourage effect) but are harder to dose precisely. Dronabinol is standardised and ideal for gradual titration.
Dronabinol is a prescription-controlled narcotic. Use only under medical supervision.