Background Since March 2011 cannabinoids have been authorised in Spain for the treatment of spasticity due to multiple sclerosis (MS). The product is composed primarily of two cannabinoids: CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol) and it is administered as a metered dose oro-mucosal spray. The dose should be individualised after a titration period.

Purpose To describe the use of CBD-THC in our hospital and to evaluate adverse effects and the quality of life of the patients treated.

Materials and Methods Descriptive study of all patients treated with CBD-THC from March 2011 to September 2012.

Patients were monitored from the start of their treatment. We recorded the titration period, maintenance dose and adverse reactions for each patient, besides demographic data. They answered a of quality of life questionnaire (SF-36) at the beginning of treatment and two months before starting.

Results During this period, 7 patients began treatment with CBD-THC, prescribed by neurologists. The average age was 40 years (±8.2), 4 males and 3 females.

It was used for spasticity due to MS in two patients and it was off-label use for the rest of patients: two cases of refractory spasticity not caused by MS and three cases of neuropathic pain.

The quality of life improved 21%, showed by SF-36 questionnaire.

The average titration period was 26 days, the average dose used was 7.8 sprays/day (standard deviation 3.27) (min: 3 max 12), spread three times a day.

All patients, except for one, suffered adverse reactions, mainly mild or moderate dizziness (57% of them), dysgeusia (taste alteration) 29% and hypotension (14%).

Conclusions The quality of life has improved for our patients treated with CBD-THC.

As many adverse effects appeared and it was difficult to manage this drug the pharmacist’s role assumed considerable importance; monitoring and pharmaceutical care is very necessary

No conflict of interest.