1
|
Sacco R, Riccitelli GC, Disanto G, Bogousslavsky J, Cavelti A, Czell D, Kamm CP, Kliesch U, Ramseier SP, Gobbi C, Zecca C. Effectiveness, Safety and Patients' Satisfaction of Nabiximols (Sativex ®) on Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity and Related Symptoms in a Swiss Multicenter Study. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2907. [PMID: 38792448 PMCID: PMC11122311 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13102907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Cannabinoid oro-mucosal spray nabiximols is approved for patients with moderate to severe multiple sclerosis spasticity (MSS) resistant to other antispastic medications. Few real-world data are available on the effectiveness, safety and patients' satisfaction in MS patients treated with nabiximols as monotherapy. Methods: To investigate the effectiveness, tolerability and satisfaction of nabiximols in a real-life multicentric Swiss cohort as monotherapy or with stable doses of other antispastic medications, and explore clinical features which may predict treatment response. The following data were collected at treatment start (baseline) and 12 weeks thereafter: Modified Ashworth scale (MAS), scores at numerical rating scales ranging from 0 (absent) to 10 (considerable) for effect on spasticity (sNRS), pain (pNRS), gait (gNRS), urinary symptoms (uNRS), tolerability (tNRS) as assessed by the treating neurologist, and overall treatment satisfaction (TsNRS) and tolerability (tNRS) as assessed by the patient. Results: Ninety-five patients (44 relapsing remitting, 37 secondary progressive and 14 primary progressive MS; median age = 53 (IQR 45-62); female 70%; median EDSS 6 (IQR 4-6), concomitant antispastic treatments in 54% of patients) were included. From baseline to week 12, median MAS score decreased from 3.0 to 2.0 (p < 0.001). Median scores of the each NRS also significantly decreased (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). At week 12, the median TsNRS and tTS scores were 8/10 (IQR: 6-9) and 9/10 (IQR: 7-10), respectively, and 93.7% of patients continued to use nabiximols at the average dose of six sprays/day. No clinical factors, including use of nabiximols as add on vs. monotherapy, were associated with responder status. Conclusions: Our first Swiss, multicentric, observational, real-life study supports and enhances previous finding of nabiximols as monotherapy and as add-on therapy, being an effective, safe and well-tolerated treatment option for resistant MS spasticity and spasticity-related symptoms (pain, bladder dysfunction and gait).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Sacco
- Multiple Sclerosis Center (MSC), Department of Neurology, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland; (R.S.); (G.C.R.); (G.D.); (C.G.)
| | - Gianna Carla Riccitelli
- Multiple Sclerosis Center (MSC), Department of Neurology, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland; (R.S.); (G.C.R.); (G.D.); (C.G.)
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI), 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Giulio Disanto
- Multiple Sclerosis Center (MSC), Department of Neurology, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland; (R.S.); (G.C.R.); (G.D.); (C.G.)
| | - Julien Bogousslavsky
- Neurocenter, Swiss Medical Network, Clinique Valmont, 1823 Montreux, Switzerland;
| | | | - David Czell
- NeuroMedics, Praxis Neurologie Uster, 8610 Uster, Switzerland;
| | | | - Uta Kliesch
- Neurologische Praxis Schwyz—Zug, 6430 Schwyz, Switzerland;
| | | | - Claudio Gobbi
- Multiple Sclerosis Center (MSC), Department of Neurology, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland; (R.S.); (G.C.R.); (G.D.); (C.G.)
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI), 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Chiara Zecca
- Multiple Sclerosis Center (MSC), Department of Neurology, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland; (R.S.); (G.C.R.); (G.D.); (C.G.)
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI), 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kleiner D, Horváth IL, Bunduc S, Gergő D, Lugosi K, Fehérvári P, Hegyi P, Csupor D. Nabiximols is Efficient as Add-On Treatment for Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity Refractory to Standard Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Clinical Trials. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:2505-2515. [PMID: 37519000 PMCID: PMC10616923 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230727094431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spasticity affects 54% of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients at disease onset, but this rate gradually increases with disease progression. Spasticity does not fully respond to standard treatment in one-third of the patients. OBJECTIVE Our systematic review and meta-analysis assessed whether add-on nabiximols, can improve MS-associated refractory spasticity. METHODS The systematic literature search was performed in Web of Science, MEDLINE, Scopus, CENTRAL, and Embase, on 15/10/2021, without restrictions. We included in the review blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of nabiximols in adult MS patients with refractory spasticity, by comparison with placebo. The primary outcome was responder rate by spasticity numerical rating scale (NRS). Secondary outcomes were spasticity-related parameters. We used random effect models to calculate odds ratios (OR) or mean differences and the corresponding 95% CI. Bias-factors were assessed with Cochrane risk of bias tool (RoB2). (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021282177). RESULTS We identified 9 eligible articles, of which 7 (1128 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. The spasticity numerical rating scale (NRS) was significantly higher in the nabiximols group than in the placebo group (OR 2.41 (95% CI 1.39; 4.18)). Secondary outcomes were in accordance with our primary results. At least some concerns were detected in the risk of bias analysis. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that nabiximols is efficient in MS associated spasticity, refractory to standard treatment and it may be considered as add-on symptomatic therapy. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to establish the optimal treatment protocol - dose, duration, moment of initiation, disease type.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dénes Kleiner
- University Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Administration, Semmelweis University, Hőgyes Endre utca 7-9., 1092 Budapest, Hungary
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, 1085 , Budapest, Hungary
| | - István László Horváth
- University Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Administration, Semmelweis University, Hőgyes Endre utca 7-9., 1092 Budapest, Hungary
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, 1085 , Budapest, Hungary
| | - Stefania Bunduc
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, 1085 , Budapest, Hungary
- Division of Pancreatic Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Baross út 22-24, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Dionisie Lupu Street 37, 020021, Bucharest, Romania
- Center of Digestive Disease and Liver Transplant, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Fundeni Street 258, 022328, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dorottya Gergő
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, 1085 , Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26., 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Lugosi
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, 1085 , Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Neurology, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Hospital, Maglódi Road 89-91, 1106 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Fehérvári
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, 1085 , Budapest, Hungary
- Budapest Department of Biostatistics, University of Veterinary Medicine, István utca 2., 1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Hegyi
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, 1085 , Budapest, Hungary
- Division of Pancreatic Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Baross út 22-24, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
- János Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Dezső Csupor
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, 1085 , Budapest, Hungary
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Szeged, Szikra utca 8, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Szeged, Eötvös u. 6, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dykukha I, Essner U, Schreiber H, Raithel LM, Penner IK. Effects of Sativex Ⓡ on cognitive function in patients with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 68:104173. [PMID: 36174323 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.104173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive impairment is a common manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE To assess by systematic review and meta-analysis available evidence regarding the impact of nabiximols oromucosal spray on cognition in patients with MS. METHODS A systematic literature search of clinical studies (all types, any comparator) that measured cognitive function in patients with MS spasticity treated with nabiximols. Meta-analysis for cognitive endpoints was not possible due to heterogenous measurement instruments and outcomes. Meta-analysis was performed for adverse events (AEs) of special interest (cognition disorders) reported in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of nabiximols versus placebo in patients with MS (with or without spasticity). Certainty of evidence and risk of bias were assessed. RESULTS Seven clinical studies (three RCTs) directly assessing cognitive function were included in the qualitative analysis. There was no consistent evidence to suggest that nabiximols causes cognitive impairment as assessed by a range of specific psychometric instruments across cognitive domains. Thirteen double-blind, placebo-controlled RCTs (nabiximols, n = 964; placebo, n = 904) were included in the meta-analysis of cognitive AEs. Most cognitive AEs (30 of 32 events, 93.8%) reported with nabiximols in MS patients occurred with not in-label use, i.e., dosage >12 sprays per day and/or not administered primarily for treatment of spasticity. CONCLUSIONS Within the limitations of the review, we can conclude that no detrimental effects of nabiximols on cognitive function were observed in patients with MS spasticity during up to 12 months follow-up and that cognitive AEs were rare and occurred only when nabiximols was not used according to its approved label.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igor Dykukha
- Medical Affairs, Almirall Hermal GmbH, Reinbek, Germany
| | - Ute Essner
- O. Meany Consultancy GmbH, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Herbert Schreiber
- Neurological Practice Center, Neuropoint Academy, NTD & Neurosys, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lina Marie Raithel
- COGITO Center for Applied Neurocognition and Neuropsychological Research, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Iris-Katharina Penner
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Patti F, Chisari CG, Fernández Ó, Sarroca J, Ferrer-Picón E, Hernández Vicente F, Vila Silván C. A real-world evidence study of nabiximols in multiple sclerosis patients with resistant spasticity: analysis in relation to the newly-described 'Spasticity-Plus syndrome'. Eur J Neurol 2022; 29:2744-2753. [PMID: 35590453 PMCID: PMC9539865 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background and purpose Nabiximols is a therapeutic option for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) spasticity whose symptoms are poorly controlled by conventional oral first‐line medications. This study aimed to assess the relationship between changes in spasticity severity (measured on the 0–10 numeric rating scale [NRS]) and the presence of associated symptoms in patients treated with nabiximols, and to investigate the presence of the newly described ‘spasticity‐plus syndrome’. Methods We analyzed real‐world data from the Italian Medicines Agency e‐Registry on 1138 patients with MS spasticity who began treatment with nabiximols. Evaluation time points were baseline, 4 weeks, and 3, 6, 12 and 18 months after treatment start. Results Common symptoms associated with MS spasticity in this cohort were pain (38.4% at baseline), sleep disturbances (32.7%), and spasms/cramps (28.5%). Pain was frequently clustered with sleep disturbances (57.2% of pain cases) and spasms/cramps (43.9%). Approximately one‐third of patients with data at all evaluation time points maintained treatment at 18 months. Nabiximols reduced the baseline mean spasticity 0–10 NRS score by 24.6% at Week 4, and by 33.9% at 18 months in treatment continuers. Nabiximols resolved a range of MS spasticity‐associated symptoms at Week 4, and after 18 months in treatment continuers. Conclusion This real‐world analysis supports the concept of a spasticity‐plus syndrome and suggests that nabiximols can favorably impact a range of spasticity‐associated symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Patti
- Department "GF Ingrassia", Section of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Clara Grazia Chisari
- Department "GF Ingrassia", Section of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Óscar Fernández
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Malaga (IBIMA), Regional University Hospital and Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaga, Spain
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
The Efficacy of Cannabis on Multiple Sclerosis-Related Symptoms. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12050682. [PMID: 35629350 PMCID: PMC9148011 DOI: 10.3390/life12050682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is known as an autoimmune disease that damages the neurons in the central nervous system. MS is characterized by its most common symptoms of spasticity, muscle spasms, neuropathic pain, tremors, bladder dysfunction, dysarthria, and some intellectual problems, including memory disturbances. Several clinical studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of cannabis on the relief of these symptoms in MS patients. The efficacy of Cannabis sativa (C. Sativa) in the management of MS outcomes such as spasticity, pain, tremors, ataxia, bladder functions, sleep, quality of life, and adverse effects were assessed in this review. Most clinical studies showed the positive effects of cannabinoids with their different routes of administration, such as oromucosal spray and oral form, in reducing most MS symptoms. The oromucosal spray Nabiximols demonstrated an improvement in reducing MS spasticity, pain, and quality of life with a tolerated adverse effect. Oral cannabinoids are significantly effective for treating MS pain and spasticity, while the other symptoms indicate slight improvement and the evidence is quite inconsistent. Oromucosal spray and oral cannabis are mainly used for treating patients with MS and have positive effects on treating the most common symptoms of MS, such as pain and spasticity, whereas the other MS symptoms indicated slight improvement, for which further studies are needed.
Collapse
|
6
|
Chan A, Silván CV. Evidence-based management of multiple sclerosis spasticity with nabiximols oromucosal spray in clinical practice: a 10-year recap. Neurodegener Dis Manag 2022; 12:141-154. [PMID: 35377770 DOI: 10.2217/nmt-2022-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective symptomatic management of multiple sclerosis (MS) spasticity remains an unmet need for many patients. The second-line option nabiximols is the most widely investigated of the noninvasive antispasticity medications in this patient population. Clinical evidence accumulated with nabiximols since it was first approved in Europe in 2010 suggests that about 40% of initial responders (i.e., those with ≥20% improvement in their baseline 0-10 Numerical Rating Scale score) may expect to achieve clinically meaningful (≥30% Numerical Rating Scale response) and durable symptomatic improvement in MS spasticity. During 10 years' routine use of nabiximols, no new safety signals have emerged. Nabiximols-associated improvement in MS spasticity-related symptoms such as pain and sleep disruption suggests a need to track possible therapeutic effects beyond muscle tone control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Chan
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ciotti S, Micheli M, Cometa A, De Carlo C, Martini G, Marona A, Filippetti L, Carducci D, Baratta S, Zampolini M, Corea F. Treatment with Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol/cannabidiol in Multiple Sclerosis: Influence on the Autonomy Profile according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Eur J Case Rep Intern Med 2021; 8:002298. [PMID: 34671570 DOI: 10.12890/2021_002298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common cause of non-traumatic neurological disability in young adults. It has effects at different levels: physical, emotional, psychological, cognitive and social, with a great variety of signs and symptoms. In particular, spasticity contributes to reducing the motor performance of patients with MS, causing pain, reduction in distance walked and limitations in social life. We present the case of a 39-year-old woman with MS. She was treated with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol/cannabidiol and the outcome was assessed with the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health core set framework. LEARNING POINTS The clinical presentation of multiple sclerosis (MS) is heterogeneous but very often lower limb spasticity leads to severe disability.The use of nabiximols improved spasticity control and motor performance in walking, and also had a larger effect in improving activity and participation in personal relationships.Appropriate assessment of MS cases, through the ICF framework, may demonstrate further effects of nabiximols on patient capacity and performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Ciotti
- USL Umbria 2, Department of Rehabilitation, S.C.R.I.N. Trevi, Italy
| | - Mary Micheli
- USL Umbria 2, Department of Rehabilitation, S.C.R.I.N. Trevi, Italy
| | - Antonella Cometa
- USL Umbria 2, Department of Rehabilitation, S.M. Stella, Orvieto, Italy
| | - Claudia De Carlo
- USL Umbria 2, Department of Rehabilitation, Domus Gratiae, Terni, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Martini
- USL Umbria 2, Department of Rehabilitation, Ospedale di Cascia, Cascia, Italy
| | - Andrea Marona
- USL Umbria 2, Department of Neuroradiology, Ospedale S.G. Battista, Foligno, Italy
| | - Laura Filippetti
- USL Umbria 2, Department of Rehabilitation, S.C.R.I.N. Trevi, Italy
| | - Diego Carducci
- USL Umbria 2, Department of Rehabilitation and Neurology, Ospedale S.G. Battista, Foligno, Italy
| | - Silvano Baratta
- USL Umbria 2, Department of Rehabilitation, S.C.R.I.N. Trevi, Italy
| | - Mauro Zampolini
- USL Umbria 2, Department of Rehabilitation and Neurology, Ospedale S.G. Battista, Foligno, Italy
| | - Francesco Corea
- USL Umbria 2, Department of Rehabilitation and Neurology, Ospedale S.G. Battista, Foligno, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Stella B, Baratta F, Della Pepa C, Arpicco S, Gastaldi D, Dosio F. Cannabinoid Formulations and Delivery Systems: Current and Future Options to Treat Pain. Drugs 2021; 81:1513-1557. [PMID: 34480749 PMCID: PMC8417625 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-021-01579-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The field of Cannabis sativa L. research for medical purposes has been rapidly advancing in recent decades and a growing body of evidence suggests that phytocannabinoids are beneficial for a range of conditions. At the same time impressing development has been observed for formulations and delivery systems expanding the potential use of cannabinoids as an effective medical therapy. The objective of this review is to present the most recent results from pharmaceutical companies and research groups investigating methods to improve cannabinoid bioavailability and to clearly establish its therapeutic efficacy, dose ranges, safety and also improve the patient compliance. Particular focus is the application of cannabinoids in pain treatment, describing the principal cannabinoids employed, the most promising delivery systems for each administration routes and updating the clinical evaluations. To offer the reader a wider view, this review discusses the formulation starting from galenic preparation up to nanotechnology approaches, showing advantages, limits, requirements needed. Furthermore, the most recent clinical data and meta-analysis for cannabinoids used in different pain management are summarized, evaluating their real effectiveness, in order also to spare opioids and improve patients' quality of life. Promising evidence for pain treatments and for other important pathologies are also reviewed as likely future directions for cannabinoids formulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Stella
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, v. P. Giuria, 9, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Baratta
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, v. P. Giuria, 9, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Carlo Della Pepa
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, v. P. Giuria, 9, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Arpicco
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, v. P. Giuria, 9, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Daniela Gastaldi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Franco Dosio
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, v. P. Giuria, 9, 10125, Turin, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Schlag AK, Hindocha C, Zafar R, Nutt DJ, Curran HV. Cannabis based medicines and cannabis dependence: A critical review of issues and evidence. J Psychopharmacol 2021; 35:773-785. [PMID: 33593117 PMCID: PMC8278552 DOI: 10.1177/0269881120986393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis has been legalised for medical use in an ever-increasing number of countries. A growing body of scientific evidence supports the use of medical cannabis for a range of therapeutic indications. In parallel with these developments, concerns have been expressed by many prescribers that increased use will lead to patients developing cannabis use disorder. Cannabis use disorder has been widely studied in recreational users, and these findings have often been projected onto patients using medical cannabis. However, studies exploring medical cannabis dependence are scarce and the appropriate methodology to measure this construct is uncertain. This article provides a narrative review of the current research to discern if, how and to what extent, concerns about problems of dependence in recreational cannabis users apply to prescribed medical users. We focus on the main issues related to medical cannabis and dependence, including the importance of dose, potency, cannabinoid content, pharmacokinetics and route of administration, frequency of use, as well as set and setting. Medical and recreational cannabis use differs in significant ways, highlighting the challenges of extrapolating findings from the recreational cannabis literature. There are many questions about the potential for medical cannabis use to lead to dependence. It is therefore imperative to address these questions in order to be able to minimise harms of medical cannabis use. We draw out seven recommendations for increasing the safety of medical cannabis prescribing. We hope that the present review contributes to answering some of the key questions surrounding medical cannabis dependence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne K Schlag
- Drug Science, St Peter’s House, London, UK
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Centre for Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Chandni Hindocha
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, London, UK
- University College Hospital National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Rayyan Zafar
- Drug Science, St Peter’s House, London, UK
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Centre for Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - David J Nutt
- Drug Science, St Peter’s House, London, UK
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Centre for Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - H Valerie Curran
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, London, UK
- University College Hospital National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
De Blasiis P, Siani MF, Fullin A, Sansone M, Melone MAB, Sampaolo S, Signoriello E, Lus G. Short and long term effects of Nabiximols on balance and walking assessed by 3D-gait analysis in people with Multiple Sclerosis and spasticity. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2021; 51:102805. [PMID: 33862313 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.102805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spasticity in people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS) is one of the most disabling symptoms on walking ability and balance. Among the systemic antispastic drugs, Nabiximols showed a good tolerability, safety profile and relevant efficacy. A few studies assessed long-term effects of this drug through clinical scales and instrumental tools, but no study investigated short-term effects. The aim of our study is to quantitatively evaluate the immediate effects of Nabiximols on walking and balance and their maintenance after 4 weeks in pwMS and spasticity. METHODS pwMS were enrolled and randomized in 2 treatment groups: Sativex (SG) and control (CG) group. All patients were assessed at T0 (before the first Sativex puff), T1(after 45 minutes) and T2 (after 4 weeks of treatment) using clinical scales and 3d-Gait Analysis . Then, the patients treated with Sativex, were divided into 5 subgroups according to Numeric Rating Scale for spasticity (NRSs) and Berg Balance Score (BBS) response: NRSs responder[1] and non-[2]; BBS responders[3] and non-[4]; NRSs-BBS responders[5]. RESULTS 32 pwMS (22 SG, 10 CG) were recruited. Significant improvements were found between T0 and T1 in SG compared to CG in a few clinical and kinematic parameters. Larger significant differences were found for NRSs and BBS responders' groups versus CG. Eventually, no significant differences were found comparing the results between T1 and T2, suggesting the persistence of the improvements emerged at T1. CONCLUSION These results quantitatively demonstrated a short time effect of Nabiximols on balance and walking of pwMS, which is mantained after 4 weeks. Patients identified as responder by combination of NRSs and BBS showed the best efficacy. These findings may suggest how to early select the real responders in order to improve the adherence and cost-effectiveness of the therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo De Blasiis
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Naples, Italy..
| | - Maria Francesca Siani
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Naples, Italy
| | - Allegra Fullin
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Sansone
- University "Federico II" of Naples, Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Naples, Italy
| | - Simone Sampaolo
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Naples, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Signoriello
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Naples, Italy
| | - Giacomo Lus
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Affiliation(s)
- Yara Dadalti Fragoso
- Post-Graduate Program on Health and Environment, Universidade Metropolitana De Santos, Santos, Brazil
- Department of Neurology, MS & Headache Research, Santos, Brazil
| | - Adriana Carra
- MS Section, Hospital Británico De CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Miguel Angel Macias
- Departamento De Neurociencias Y Doctorado De Farmacologia, CUCS, Universidad De Guadalajara, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|