Both licensed strengths of nabilone are out of stock at wholesalers across the UK, with supplies not expected to return before December, according to a Northern Ireland Department of Health statement reported by the BBC. For Jill Kenning, who lives in Coleraine and has multiple sclerosis (MS), losing access to the medicine she used for pain relief has meant severe suffering and spending most of her time in bed.
In a BBC report published on 28 October, Kenning said the replacement medicines prescribed after her own supply ran out had not provided effective relief. She also described a deterioration in her health associated with a hospital stay lasting several days. Her account reflects her own experience, rather than an assessment of how these treatments work for everyone with MS.
Supply problems began in July
The Northern Ireland Department of Health told the BBC that supply disruption affecting nabilone 1 mg capsules began in July. The 0.25 mg strength subsequently became unavailable too. According to the department, neither strength is now available from wholesalers anywhere in the UK.
This does not mean that every pharmacy and every patient has exhausted their remaining supplies. The department’s statement concerns wholesalers, on whom pharmacies depend to replenish their stocks. No figure was given for the number of people affected.
Nabilone is not expected to become available again before December. That is a forecast, not a guarantee that supplies will resume then. The department declined to disclose the cause of the disruption, citing commercial confidentiality.
Guidance for healthcare staff
The BBC reports that the Northern Ireland department is working with the UK Department of Health and Social Care and local healthcare organisations to manage the effects of the shortage.
Healthcare staff have received guidance on alternative treatments. This includes the possibility of importing nabilone that is not licensed in the UK, where such supplies are available. It does not, however, amount to a promise that medicine can be secured for every patient, or confirmation that the supply problems have been resolved.
