UK Drug Shortage Leaves MS Patient in Severe Pain

A patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) in Northern Ireland is experiencing severe pain due to a UK-wide shortage of Nabilone, a medication vital for managing her condition. Jill Kenning, who has relied on Nabilone for 17 years to control her MS-related pain, has been largely confined to her bed since running out of the drug last week.

Northern Ireland's Department of Health confirmed disruptions to Nabilone supplies across the UK, with wholesalers expecting the drug to be unavailable until December. The department cited "commercially sensitive" reasons for the supply chain disruption. Data from the industry reference guide MIMS indicates a growing trend in drug shortages in the UK, with the number of affected medications rising to 157 this week, an increase from 107 in January.

Kenning, diagnosed with MS in 2008, found Nabilone significantly improved her quality of life, allowing her to manage daily activities. Without it, she describes constant, intense eye pain, likening it to being "stabbed with a hot poker." She reported that alternative medications have been ineffective, leading to a decline in her health and multiple hospital stays. "I don't want to be here any more because the pain is so bad," Kenning stated, expressing concern for other patients facing similar challenges.

Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disease that damages the myelin sheath surrounding nerves in the brain and spinal cord. This damage disrupts the communication signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

The Department of Health acknowledged that both licensed doses of Nabilone are out of stock from UK wholesalers, with the shortage affecting 1mg capsules since July and 0.25mg capsules more recently. The department is collaborating with the UK's Department of Health and Social Care and health trusts to mitigate the impact. Guidance has been provided to healthcare professionals regarding alternative treatments, including the potential for unlicensed imports. A spokesperson emphasized that the department understands the concern these disruptions cause and advises patients to consult their specialist healthcare teams if they cannot access their prescribed medication or have concerns about alternatives.