Nabilone Shortage Forces MS Patient Into Hospital — SkimNews
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- Jill Kenning has used Nabilone for 17 of the 18 years since her 2008 MS diagnosis; after running out last Tuesday, she spent most of her time in bed and described constant eye pain as being “stabbed with a hot poker”.
- Jill Kenning was told by her health trust that no Nabilone was available and was directed to her neurologist; she said the replacement medicines were ineffective, her health declined and she had to stay in hospital for several nights.
- Northern Ireland's Department of Health said both licensed Nabilone doses—1mg and 0.25mg—were out of stock with UK wholesalers; the 1mg disruption began in July, the 0.25mg became unavailable more recently, and Nabilone would not be available again until December.
- Northern Ireland's Department of Health said it was working with the UK Department of Health and Social Care and health trusts to manage the disruption, and had issued guidance on alternatives including unlicensed Nabilone imports where available.
- Northern Ireland's Department of Health declined to explain the cause of the disruption because the information was commercially sensitive.
- MIMS reported that the number of drugs in short supply across the UK reached 157 this week, up from a low of 107 in January.
Why it matters: Kenning’s case makes the cost concrete: with both Nabilone strengths unavailable, alternatives were ineffective, leaving her in hospital and largely bedbound; December was the stated date for availability again. The wider count of 157 drugs in short supply shows a material continuity-of-care problem for patients dependent on uninterrupted medication.
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