[Use of dronabinol in the treatment of resistant neuropathic pain: Feedback from patients followed in a multidisciplinary pain center]

Abstract

Introduction: Dronabinol is a drug composed of synthetic delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. In France, dronabinol requires a named Temporary Utilisation Authorisation (TUA), for the treatment of refractory neuropathic pain. Few data currently exist concerning its efficacy and tolerance. We present our feedback on its use for chronic pain patients, the multidisciplinary supervision and the monitoring set up by the clinical pharmacist.

Method: This retrospective monocentric study presents Patients Global Impression of Change and tolerance data from patients treated with dronabinol in a pain center between October 2020 and July 2021. We present their satisfaction towards the care process.

Results: Nineteen patients were treated with dronabinol during the study period. - The clinical pharmacist issued 180 advices for patients and doctors. Patients reported a positive impact of the telephone follow-up carried out by the clinical pharmacist. - 75% (n=9/12) of patients who continued treatment for more than 3 months reported improvement in their health. - 74% (n=14/19) of patients had at least one adverse event, six patients needed to discontinue the treatment.

Discussion-conclusion: Dronabinol represents an alternative that can improve the quality of life of some patients suffering from refractory neuropathic pain. Nevertheless, as with any medicine, its initiation requires a rigorous evaluation of the benefit-risk balance. The close collaboration between the physician and the clinical pharmacist allows a secure management patients and makes this complex drug circuit easer.

Keywords: Centre d’Évaluation et de Traitement de la Douleur; Clinical pharmacy services; Douleurs neuropathiques; Dronabinol; Multidisciplinary pain center; Neuropathic pain; Services de pharmacie clinique.