Pain intensity of chronic non-cancer patients was reduced by cannabinoids consumption , but effect sizes were small .
Efficacy for neuropathic and non-neuropathic pain was similar
There is growing interest in using cannabinoids for chronic pain .
We performed a systematic review and meta- analysis of r and omized controlled trials to evaluate the analgesic efficacy and adverse effects of cannabinoids for chronic non-cancer pain .
Sativex® as add-on therapy vs. further optimized first-line ANTispastics (SAVANT) in resistant multiple sclerosis spasticity: a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised clinical trial
Abstract Purpose / aim : To evaluate the efficacy of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC):cannabidiol ( CBD ) oromucosal spray ( Sativex ® ) as add-on therapy to optimised st and ard antispasticity treatment in patients with moderate to severe multiple sclerosis ( MS ) spasticity . Methods : Sativex ® as add-on therapy vs. further optimised first-line ANTispastics ( SAVANT ) was a two-phase trial . In Phase A , eligible patients received add-on THC : CBD spray for 4 weeks to identify initial responders [ ≥20 % improvement from baseline in spasticity 0–10 numerical rating scale ( NRS ) score ] . Following washout , eligible initial responders were r and omised to receive THC : CBD spray or placebo for 12 weeks ( double-blinded , Phase B ) . Optimisation of underlying antispasticity medications was permitted in both groups across all study periods . Results : Of 191 patients who entered Phase A , 106 were r and omised in Phase B to receive add-on THC : CBD spray ( n = 53 ) or placebo ( n = 53 ) . The proportion of clinical ly relevant responders after 12 weeks ( ≥30 % NRS improvement ; primary efficacy endpoint ) was significantly greater with THC : CBD spray than placebo ( 77.4 vs. 32.1 % ; p < 0.0001 ) . Compared with placebo , THC : CBD spray also significantly improved key secondary endpoints : changes in mean spasticity NRS ( p < 0.0001 ) , mean pain NRS ( p = 0.0013 ) , and mean modified Ashworth ’s scale ( p = 0.0007 ) scores from Phase B baseline to week 12 . Adverse events , when present , were mild/moderate and without new safety concerns . Conclusions : Add-on THC : CBD oromucosal spray provided better and clinical ly relevant improvement of resistant MS spasticity compared with adjusting first-line antispasticity medication alone
Pain intensity of chronic non-cancer patients was reduced by cannabinoids consumption , but effect sizes were small .
Efficacy for neuropathic and non-neuropathic pain was similar
There is growing interest in using cannabinoids for chronic pain .
We performed a systematic review and meta- analysis of r and omized controlled trials to evaluate the analgesic efficacy and adverse effects of cannabinoids for chronic non-cancer pain .