Multiple Sclerosis and Cannabis

MS is an inflammatory, demyelinating, neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system.

Multiple Sclerosis(MS) sufferers have been proven to gain benefit from Nabiximols (Sativex®), a whole plant Cannabis extract(CE) listed under Schedule 8 of the SUSMP. Randomized, controlled trial of cannabis-based medicine in central pain in multiple sclerosis.
Rog DJ, Nurmikko TJ, Friede T, Young CA.
Neurology. 2005 Sep 27;65(6):812-9.
PMID: 16186518

"Cannabis-based medicine is effective in reducing pain and sleep disturbance in patients with multiple sclerosis related central neuropathic pain and is mostly well tolerated."

Nabiximols extract has been used in clinical trials in more than 1500 patients with MS. Product information for AusPAR Nabiximols Sativex
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia Pty Limited
PM-2011-00150-3-1
Final 27 September 2013
[PDF download from TGA]

Nabiximols has been shown to be a cost effective means of treating MS related spasticity in patients. Sativex® in multiple sclerosis spasticity: a cost-effectiveness model.
Slof J, Gras A.
Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res. 2012 Aug;12(4):439-41. doi: 10.1586/erp.12.40. Epub 2012 Jun 8.
PMID: 22681512

Charcot's first illustration of multiple sclerosis
Image credit:By Serse82 [CC BY 3.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons

Further reading

Dept. of Health - TGA:
Australian Public Assesment Report - Nabiximols.

GW Pharmaceuticals: Sativex®
MeSH: D009103
ICD-9-CM: 340
GeneReviews®: MS Overview
NICE: Multiple sclerosis: management of multiple sclerosis in primary and secondary care

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