Please use this link to access this publication. ABSTRACT Objective: Debilitating pain, occurring in 50–70% of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, is poorly understood and infrequently studied. We summarized efficacy and safety data of cannabinoid-based drugs for neuropathic pain. Data sources: Studies were identified from Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases; Bayer Healthcare provided additional trials. Study selection: Accepted were randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled trials of cannabinoid-based treatments for MS-related/neuropathic pain in adults ≥ 18 years of age. Data extraction: Two reviewers identified studies and extracted data; a third adjudicated disagreements. Data included baseline and endpoint pain scores on visual analog or 11-point ordinal scales. Data synthesis: Of 18 articles and three...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract The majority of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) develop troublesome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Anecdotal reports suggest that cannabis may alleviate LUTS, and cannabinoid receptors in the bladder and nervous system are potential pharmacological targets. In an open trial we evaluated the safety, tolerability, dose range, and efficacy of two whole-plant extracts of Cannabis sativa in patients with advanced MS and refractory LUTS. Patients took extracts containing delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD; 2.5 mg of each per spray) for eight weeks followed by THC-only (2.5 mg THC per spray) for a further eight weeks,...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Importance  As of March 2015, 23 states and the District of Columbia had medical marijuana laws in place. Physicians should know both the scientific rationale and the practical implications for medical marijuana laws. Objective  To review the pharmacology, indications, and laws related to medical marijuana use. Evidence Review  The medical literature on medical marijuana was reviewed from 1948 to March 2015 via MEDLINE with an emphasis on 28 randomized clinical trials of cannabinoids as pharmacotherapy for indications other than those for which there are 2 US Food and Drug Administration–approved cannabinoids (dronabinol and nabilone), which include nausea and...

Key Points Question  Are medicinal cannabinoids effective and well tolerated in the treatment of multiple sclerosis? Findings  In this systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 randomized clinical trials including 3161 patients, cannabinoids were significantly associated with efficacy for subjective spasticity, pain, and bladder dysfunction compared with placebo. Cannabinoids had a higher risk of adverse events and withdrawals due to adverse events, with no statistically significant differences found for serious adverse events. Meaning  Cannabinoids appear to be safe regarding serious adverse events, but their clinical benefit may be limited. Abstract Importance  Cannabinoids have antispastic and analgesic effects; however, their role in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms is...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)/cannabidiol (CBD) oromucosal spray was approved as add-on therapy for spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). We show our 40-week postmarketing experience regarding efficacy and safety of THC/CBD spray in an Italian cohort of 102 MS patients. Patients were evaluated using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for spasticity, the Ambulation Index (AI), and Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25-FW) at the beginning of treatment and then every 3 months. After 4 weeks, if a clinically significant improvement in spasticity (at least 20% of baseline NRS score) was not...

Please use this link to access this publication. ABSTRACT Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex disease with a heterogeneous and unpredictable clinical course. Mobility impairment after progressive paralyses and muscle tone spasticity is common. Areas covered: The prevalence, assessment, and pharmacological management of gait impairment and spasticity in MS and their effects on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are discussed. The roles of oral and intrathecal baclofen and of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol/cannabidiol (THC:CBD) oromucosal spray in treating MS spasticity-related gait impairment are reviewed. Expert commentary: Mobility impairment and spasticity are experienced by approximately 90% and 80% of MS patients, respectively, during the disease course. Prevalence...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Background Use of cannabis to alleviate multiple sclerosis (MS)-related symptoms is increasing. Due to strict regulations, only a minority of MS patients receive cannabis-based prescription drugs. The extent of recreational and medical cannabis use among Danes with MS is unknown. Our aim was to evaluate the prevalence of illegal and legal use of cannabis in MS patients, as well as reasons for use and perceived adverse effects. Methods An anonymous questionnaire was sent to all 3606 patients at the Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen. The questionnaire included questions about sociodemographic factors, clinical characteristics and medical...

Abstract Cognitive dysfunction affects 40–80% of patients with multiple sclerosis. Smoking cannabis may add to these deficits. It is unclear whether coming off cannabis results in cognitive improvement. To address this question, 40 patients with multiple sclerosis who started using cannabis after the onset of multiple sclerosis and who used it for at least 4 days a week over many years were divided by odd-even number selection into two groups: cannabis continuation and cannabis withdrawal. Assessments took place at baseline and after 28 days and included serial versions of the Brief Repeatable Neuropsychological Battery for multiple sclerosis containing tests of verbal and visual memory,...

Abstract Background Nabiximols (THC/CBD Oromucosal Spray, Sativex) is used as an add-on therapy to treat moderate to severe spasticity of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Objectives To examine the impact of physiotherapy (PT) programs on effectiveness and persistence of nabiximols treatment in people with MS-related spasticity. Methods This is an observational multicenter study with a follow-up period of 12 weeks, conducted in routine care settings in Italy. Patients with moderate to severe MS-related spasticity who started nabiximols were included. Spasticity was evaluated by the patient-rated 0–10 numerical rating scale (NRS). Clinical data were collected at baseline (T0), 4 weeks (T1) and 12 weeks (T2) months after...

Abstract Background/purpose: Spasticity is one of the most common symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Conventional anti-spasticity agents have limitations in their efficacy and tolerability. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol: cannabidiol (THC:CBD) spray, a cannabinoid-based medicine, is approved as an add-on therapy for MS spasticity not adequately controlled by other anti-spasticity medications. The results from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated a reduction in the severity of spasticity and associated symptoms. However, RCTs do not always reflect real-life outcomes. We systematically reviewed the complementary evidence from non-interventional real-world studies. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted to identify all non-RCT publications on THC:CBD spray between 2011 and...