A complementary therapy regulated under the Traditional and Complementary Medicine (GETAT) regulation, in which a medical ozone-oxygen mixture is applied via methods such as major/minor autohemotherapy.
Indication
- Adjunctive therapy in diabetic foot ulcers and chronic wound healing
- Intradiscal/paravertebral application in selected cases of lumbar disc herniation
- Complementary approach in peripheral circulatory disorders
- Supportive treatment in some viral diseases (within the Ministry's indication list)
- Local application in osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal pain
- Adjunctive therapy in some chronic infections resistant to antibiotics
Preparation
- G6PD deficiency screening (mandatory before major autohemotherapy)
- Complete blood count and basic blood tests
- Reporting of medications used, particularly anticoagulants
- Inquiring about hyperthyroidism, pregnancy, and uncontrolled cardiac disease
- Avoiding fasting for at least 2 hours before the procedure; a light meal is recommended
How it's performed
- An IV line is established and blood pressure is monitored
- In major autohemotherapy, 50-150 mL of blood is drawn from the patient
- An ozone-oxygen mixture at the determined concentration is added to the blood in a sterile system
- The blood is carefully reinfused into the patient
- In minor autohemotherapy, a smaller volume may be administered intramuscularly
- In local applications, ozone is injected intra-articularly, paravertebrally, or around wounds
Post-procedure
- Rest under observation for 15-30 minutes after the procedure
- Treatment protocol typically consists of 1-3 sessions per week, lasting 8-12 sessions
- Urine and blood values may be monitored at certain intervals
- Response is evaluated through clinical and laboratory findings
- Existing disease treatment is not changed without physician's recommendation
Risks
- Burning at the IV site, mild dizziness
- Transient fatigue or flu-like symptoms
- Respiratory tract irritation in case of accidental inhalation (ozone must never be inhaled)
- Hemolysis risk in those with G6PD deficiency (prevented by screening)
- Contraindicated in hyperthyroidism, pregnancy, severe anemia, and uncontrolled diseases
FAQ
Does ozone therapy cure cancer?
No. There is insufficient evidence for using ozone therapy as a cancer treatment, and it has no such indication. It does not replace oncologic treatment; however, with physician evaluation, it may be considered as supportive care in managing some side effects.
Who should administer ozone therapy?
It is administered only by physicians who hold a Ministry of Health GETAT ozone certificate and work in centers with appropriate equipment.
Are the side effects serious?
With proper indication and technique, side effects are minimal; transient complaints such as fatigue and dizziness may occur. It must never be inhaled; incorrect administration can cause serious respiratory tract damage.
When is it not performed?
It is not performed in cases of G6PD deficiency, uncontrolled hyperthyroidism, pregnancy, severe thrombocytopenia, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, and uncontrolled bleeding disorders.
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