A woman with multiple sclerosis in Northern Ireland has reported severe pain after losing access to Nabilone, a medication she has relied on for 17 of her 18 years since diagnosis. The patient stated that without the drug, she experiences debilitating pain and has been largely confined to bed since her supply ran out earlier this month. She described the pain as comparable to being stabbed with a hot poker and noted that alternative medications prescribed by her neurologist have proven ineffective.
Northern Ireland’s Department of Health confirmed that a disruption to Nabilone supplies is affecting the entire UK. Both licensed doses of the medication—1mg and 0.25mg capsules—are out of stock with wholesalers, with the shortage beginning to affect the 1mg strength in July and the lower dose becoming unavailable more recently. Officials stated that supplies are not expected to return until December. The department declined to provide details about the cause of the disruption, citing commercially sensitive information.
The shortage is part of a broader trend of medicine availability issues in the UK. Data from industry reference guide MIMS shows that the number of drugs in short supply has been increasing throughout the year, reaching 157 this week compared to a low of 107 in January.
Authorities have indicated they are working with relevant health departments and trusts to manage the situation. Guidance has been issued to healthcare professionals regarding alternative treatments, including unlicensed imports of Nabilone where available. Officials encouraged patients unable to access their prescribed medication to consult with their specialist healthcare teams about treatment options.
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