Jill Kenning, a multiple sclerosis patient from County Londonderry, has been unable to access Nabilone, a drug she used for 17 of her 18 years since diagnosis. She described the constant eye pain without the drug as feeling "stabbed with a hot poker" and said she had spent most of her time in bed since running out last Tuesday.
Northern Ireland's Department of Health confirmed a UK-wide shortage of both licensed doses of Nabilone. The 1mg capsules became unavailable in July, with the 0.25mg strength following more recently. Supplies are not expected to return until December.
Brown & Burk UK Ltd, which supplies the drug to the UK, attributed the shortage to "technical issues" in manufacturing the drug's active ingredient. Managing Director Preetham Hiremat told BBC News NI that manufacturing is "extremely challenging" and requires "special, dedicated, experienced people" and equipment. He said the global annual need is only a few grams, adding to the difficulty. The company said it hopes to get Nabilone stocks into the UK by the end of November, with supplies reaching patients by mid-December.
Kenning said the alternative medications she was prescribed have not been effective. She spent several nights in hospital and said she has been relying on painkillers, cannot sleep, and is not eating. The Department of Health said it issued guidance to healthcare professionals on alternative treatments, including unlicensed imports of Nabilone where available.
According to MIMS, an industry reference guide, the number of drugs in short supply in the UK reached 157 this week, up from 107 in January.