On Tuesday the government confirmed that it proposes to bring forward plans to make cannabis-based drugs like Sativex, an MS drug for spasticity, available in Ireland. Cannabis is currently a schedule 1 drug covered under the Misuse of Drugs Act which prevents the use of all medicinal products containing cannabis in Ireland.
On a number of occasions MS Ireland has contacted the Department to make a case for introducing Sativex. Most notably we presented a paper to the Department outlining the benefits the drug and our recommendation that the law should be relaxed for this product.
In the paper we referenced research carried out with the University of Limerick regarding spasticity. In their research project they found that 68% of people with MS had some form of spasticity, with 42% of that group using medication of some sort to alleviate the problem.
MS Ireland is delighted that moves are being made to allow Sativex be prescribed in Ireland. It has always been MS Ireland’s view that people with MS should have access to all approved and licensed therapies allowing them and their neurologist make the best decisions for their health and well-being.
Changing legislation takes time and while we are hopeful we anticipate another wait. The product also needs to be recommended for reimbursement by the national centre of Pharmcoeconomics (NCPE), thus ensuring the HSE funds the cost of the drug.
Read the article from RTE
Read MS Ireland’s Information Sheet in Sativex