Nabilone shortage leaves MS patients in pain
Drug unavailable until December, with UK-wide stock issues affecting hundreds.
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Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are experiencing severe pain due to a UK-wide shortage of the drug Nabilone. Jill Kenning, who has used the medication for 17 of the 18 years since her MS diagnosis in 2008, said she is living with "horrific pain" after running out of her prescription last Tuesday. Northern Ireland's devolved health department confirmed that both licensed doses of Nabilone were out of stock from wholesalers across the UK.
Ms Kenning, from Coleraine in County Londonderry, described her pain as being like "stabbed with a hot poker" and said she had spent most of her time in bed since her supply ran out. She stated that the drug had been vital for managing her condition and allowing her to live a normal life. Without Nabilone, she has experienced constant pain, sickness, and a loss of appetite. She has been prescribed alternative medications, but these have not been effective, leading to a decline in her health.
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Widespread drug shortages
The shortage of Nabilone is not expected to be resolved until December, according to the Northern Ireland Department of Health. The department stated that the disruption began affecting 1mg capsules in July, with the 0.25mg strength becoming unavailable more recently. A spokesperson for the department acknowledged that medicine supply disruptions can be concerning for patients and healthcare professionals.
The MIMS tracker, an industry reference guide, reported that the number of drugs in short supply in the UK reached 157 this week. This figure is an increase from 107 in January. The Department of Health in Northern Ireland is working with the UK's Department of Health and Social Care and health trusts to manage the disruption. Guidance has been issued to healthcare professionals on alternative treatments, including unlicensed imports of Nabilone where available.
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Patients who cannot access their prescribed medication or have concerns about alternatives are advised to speak to their specialist healthcare teams for advice on treatment options. Ms Kenning expressed that more should have been done to prepare patients for this disruption and is advocating for other patients affected by the shortage.
Questions this report answers
+Why are patients unable to get Nabilone?
Both licensed doses of the drug Nabilone are out of stock from wholesalers across the UK. The shortage began affecting 1mg capsules in July, with the 0.25mg strength becoming unavailable more recently.
+When will Nabilone be available again?
The shortage of Nabilone is not expected to be resolved until December. Northern Ireland's devolved health department confirmed the drug is out of stock with wholesalers.
+How many drugs are currently in short supply in the UK?
According to the MIMS tracker, the number of drugs in short supply in the UK reached 157 this week. This is an increase from 107 drugs in short supply in January.
+What should patients do if they cannot get their medication?
Patients who cannot access their prescribed medication or have concerns about an alternative should speak to their specialist healthcare teams. They can receive advice about their treatment options.
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