In the December edition of the Journal’s Drugs and Therapeutics Bulletin, authors reviewed the research available on Sativex and questioned its usefulness in tackling spasticity in MS. They questioned limited data available and the cost of the oral spray to the healthcare system.
MS Ireland believes that while the results showed benefits for small number of people with MS this is no reason to discount it as a valid treatment option. Like many therapies Sativex won’t suit everyone. The important thing is to find something that works for you under the guidance of your GP/Neurologist.
MS Ireland has campaigned or the introduction of Sativex over the last two years. This year the Department of health confirmed that they are working to relax the legislation to allow for Sativex. One of the key factors in this change was a positive review by the Irish Medicines Board who analyzed the safety and efficacy of Sativex.
GW Pharmaceuticals, the makers of Sativex published their results from two trails in 2009. The first trail involved 573 people and the follow on study involved 36. Read more about the research results.
Read The Irish Times article about the review ‘No 'strong' proof for cannabis meds’
Read the Sativex Information Sheet
Read MS Ireland’s Submission to the Department of Health regarding Sativex