Application

When should I start mistletoe therapy?

It is possible to start at different points in a treatment plan and at different stages of the disease. Generally speaking: the earlier you begin, the better the effect. In consultation with your treating medical specialist, mistletoe therapy should start as soon as possible after the diagnosis.

How are mistletoe preparations administered?

Mistletoe preparations are injected under the skin (subcutaneous), since in case of oral application in the form of drops, the protein compounds would be digested during passage of the gastrointestinal tract. The injection is similar to the injection of insulin and you can apply it yourself after a thorough instruction by your medical specialist.

Which needle/cannula and which syringe should I use for injection?

We recommend a cannula of 0.4 x 19 mm and a 2 ml syringe.

Please carry out the first injection under the guidance of your attending medical specialist and ask him/her again whenever you may feel insecure.

How often should I inject mistletoe preparations?

Generally, mistletoe preparations are injected two to three times a week. Only the attending medical specialist may adjust the plan if necessary. Particularly during the first months of treatment, an injection rhythm of three times a week (e.g. Monday, Wednesday, Friday) has shown to be beneficial.

What are the characteristics of an effective dosage?

A possible local reaction is a reddening of the skin (also with hardening, itching, swelling or overheating) up to a maximum of 5 cm in diameter around the puncture site, or an increase in body temperature up to 38°C. The local reactions may weaken or even disappear during mistletoe therapy. Furthermore, the general condition can improve, which you may notice in increasing appetite and weight as well as normalising sleep patterns and a sensation of warmth.

For how long is mistletoe therapy applied?

It takes as long as the tumour disease persists. In addition, studies have shown that the therapy should be continued depending on the risk of recurrence (relapse risk). In most cases, this means for about five years starting from the time of diagnosis or after surgery, or even longer (e.g. breast or colon carcinoma). Regularly discuss the treatment with your attending medical specialist.

How do I store mistletoe preparations?

Since herbal medicines can be sensitive to temperature fluctuations, you should store them in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. For transport (from the pharmacy to your home or during holidays), it is possible to deviate from these temperatures for a short time, provided that the total duration of transport is less than 8 days and the temperature is not below 2°C or above 30°C.

Are there any interactions with other therapies or drugs?

So far, no clear interactions are known. Mistletoe therapy is also possible during chemo-, radio- or (anti)-hormone therapy.

In laboratory tests on tumour cells and in practice, no negative effects of mistletoe preparations on the usual chemo- and (anti)-hormone therapies could be found. Also in clinical application, there is no known adverse effect of mistletoe therapy on the efficacy of chemotherapeutics.