Cannabinoid Treatment for Fibromyalgia Symptom Management: Results from a Case Series

Image | © adobestock.com/Thanapipat

In a recent press release (1), Tilray Brands, a pharmaceutical and cannabis lifestyle company, announced the results of a case series examining the effect of cannabinoids in managing symptoms of fibromyalgia (FM). The study (2), titled, “Effectiveness of Cannabinoids Treatment in Pain Management and Other Fibromyalgia-Associated Symptoms: A Case Series,” was published in May 2024 in the Journal of Alternative Complementary & Integrative Medicine, and was financially supported by Tilray Medical.

The study consisted of three patients with FM and analyzed the effect on their pain and other symptoms after being treated with Tilray Dried Flower THC18 (18% tetrahydrocannabinol) under medical direction. The medical cannabis was administered by vaporization for three months, and the patients were observed from July 2021 to September 2022.

According to the study, some of the noteworthy results include (2):

• After one and three months of treatment, improvements were observed in Brief Pain Inventory, Visual Analogue Scale, Insomnia Severity Index, SF-36 Health Survey, and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, allowing pain relief, improved sleep quality, improved performance of daily life activities, and improved quality of life
• Cannabinoids treatment allowed decreased co-medication in patients 1 and 2
• Improvements of social interaction were found in patients 1 and 3
• Intercurrences and/or major adverse effects were not observed in any patient, but the tolerated doses varied greatly among these patients, indicating the need for a careful individual titration

"The findings of this study are encouraging and provide hope for fibromyalgia patients who are seeking effective treatments,” explained José Tempero, Tilray’s Medical Director, in the press release. “At Tilray, we are committed to conducting comprehensive scientific research that ensures our treatments are based on evidence and can improve patient care. We believe that these results represent a significant step forward in advancing the understanding of the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids and their role in managing chronic pain."

For limitations in the study, the researchers stated that cannabinoids administered by inhalation/vaporization are the only ones available in the country where the study took place, and this method of administration is associated with a greater occurrence of side effects.

The researchers also noted the strengths of the study including a treatment with a high concentration of THC, and the inclusion of patient-reported outcomes.

References

1. Tilray Brands, Tilray Medical Supports Scientific Study on Fibromyalgia With Positive Outcomes: Effectiveness of Cannabinoids Treatment in Pain Management and Other Fibromyalgia-Associated Symptoms, GlobeNewswire. https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2024/09/09/2942663/0/en/Tilray-Medical-Supports-Scientific-Study-on-Fibromyalgia-With-Positive-Outcomes-Effectiveness-of-Cannabinoids-Treatment-in-Pain-Management-and-Other-Fibromyalgia-Associated-Symptom.html (accessed Sept. 10, 2024).
2. Tomás, SMS., Trincão, PRR. Effectiveness of Cannabinoids Treatment in Pain Management and Other Fibromyalgia-Associated Symptoms: A Case Series, J Altern Complement Integr, Med https://www.heraldopenaccess.us/openaccess/effectiveness-of-cannabinoids-treatment-in-pain-management-and-other-fibromyalgia-associated-symptoms-a-case-series DOI10.24966/ACIM-7562/100493.