Evaluation of the tolerability and efficacy of Sativex in multiple sclerosis.

Abstract

Refractory spasticity, central neuropathic pain and bladder dysfunction are common clinical problems in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). None of the currently available oral medications has proven to be reliably effective and can be limited by toxicity. Cannabinoids have shown therapeutic effects on those MS-associated symptoms. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)/cannabidiol (CBD) Sativex (nabiximols) is an oromucosal spray formulation that contains THC and CBD in an approximate 1:1 ratio and is described as an endocannabinoid system modulator. The efficacy of THC/CBD on MS-associated spasticity, pain and bladder dysfunction has been studied in clinical trials as well as in clinical practice studies. Adverse effects are usually mild or moderate and the low rate of drug discontinuation provides good evidence of long-term tolerability. This article focuses on the pharmacological properties, clinical efficacy and tolerability of THC/CBD in MS patients.

• Authors: Irene Moreno Torres, Antonio J Sanchez, Antonio Garcia-Merino
• Journal: Expert review of neurotherapeutics (Expert Rev Neurother) Vol. 14 Issue 11 Pg. 1243-50 (Nov 2014) ISSN: 1744-8360 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 25331416 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Drug Combinations
• Plant Extracts
• Cannabidiol
• Dronabinol
• nabiximols

Topics

• Cannabidiol
• Dronabinol
• Drug Combinations
• Humans
• Multiple Sclerosis (drug therapy)
• Muscle Spasticity (drug therapy)
• Neuralgia (drug therapy)
• Plant Extracts (adverse effects, therapeutic use)