THU0479 SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF MEDICAL CANNABIS IN FIBROMYALGIA. (June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sagy, Iftach; Schleider, Lihi Bar-Lev; Abu-Shakra, Mahmoud; Novack, Victor
• Is Part Of: Annals of the rheumatic diseases. Volume 78(2019)Supplement 2
• Page Start: 530
• Page End: 530
• Publication Date: 2019-06
• Subjects: Rheumatism -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2019-eular.111
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4967

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Although chronic pain is a well established indication for medical cannabis therapy, there is scarce evidence to support the role of medical cannabis in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate the characteristics, safety and effectiveness of medical cannabis therapy for fibromyalgia. Methods: A prospective study with 6 months follow-up period based on fibromyalgia patients who were willing to answer questionnaire in a specialized medical cannabis clinic between 2015 and 2017. Results: Among the 367 fibromyalgia patients the mean age was 52.9±15.1, of whom 301 (82.0%) were women. 28 patients (7.6%) stopped the treatment prior to the six months follow-up. The six months response rate was 70.8%. Pain intensity (scale 0-10) reduced from a median of 9.0 at baseline to 5.0 (p<0.001), and 194 patients (81.1%) achieved treatment response. In a multivariate analysis age above 60 years (Odds ratio [OR] 0.34, 95% C.I 0.16-0.72), concerns about cannabis treatment (OR 0.36, 95% C.I 0.16-0.80), spasticity (OR 2.26, 95% C.I 1.08-4.72) and previous use of cannabis (OR 2.46 95% C.I 1.06-5.74) were associated with treatment outcome. The most common adverse effects were mild and included dizziness (7.9%), dry mouth (6.7%) and gastrointestinal symptoms (5.4%). Conclusion: Medical cannabis appears to be safe and effective alternative for the treatment of fibromyalgia symptoms. Standardization of treatment compounds and regimens are required. Disclosure of Interests: : Iftach Sagy: None declared, Lihi Bar-Lev Schleider Employee of: employee of Tikun-Olam Ltd. without shares or options, Mahmoud Abu-Shakra: None declared, Victor Novack Consultant for: paid member of the Tikun Olam Ltd. scientific advisory board