Palatability and oral cavity tolerability of THC:CBD oromucosal spray and possible improvement measures in multiple sclerosis patients with resistant spasticity: a pilot study. (April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lus, Giacomo; Cantello, Roberto; Danni, Maura Chiara; Rini, Agusto; Sarchielli, Paola; Tassinari, Tiziana; Signoriello, Elisabetta
• Is Part Of: Neurodegenerative disease management. Volume 8:Number 2(2018)
• Page Start: 105
• Page End: 113
• Publication Date: 2018-04
• Subjects: multiple sclerosis -- oral cavity complaints -- oromucosal spray -- Sativex -- spasticity -- taste perception -- THC:CBD; Nervous system -- Degeneration -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.2217/nmt-2017-0056
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1758-2024

Abstract

Aim: Complaints about Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC):cannabidiol (CBD) oromucosal spray (Sativex ® ; GW Pharma Ltd, Salisbury, UK) in the management of multiple sclerosis spasticity include unpleasant taste and oral mucosal anomalies. This pilot study assessed the use of sugar-free chewing gum and/or a refrigerated bottle of THC:CBD oromucosal spray to mitigate these effects.Materials & methods: Patients with multiple sclerosis spasticity (n = 52) at six sites in Italy who were receiving THC:CBD oromucosal spray and had associated oral mucosal effects were randomized into Group A (chewing gum; n = 15); Group B (cold bottle; n = 20); and Group C (cold bottle + chewing gum; n = 17).Results: Taste perception in patients receiving chewing gum ± cold bottle intervention (Groups A and C combined) was significantly (p = 0.0001) improved from baseline to week 4 while maintaining spasticity control.Conclusion: Patient comfort, satisfaction and treatment adherence may benefit from these interventions.