Fibromyalgia and Cannabis: University of Manchester Research
A University of Manchester research team has published findings from a two-year observational study examining cannabis-based treatment outcomes in patients with fibromyalgia.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have published the results of a two-year observational study examining the effectiveness and tolerability of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) in patients with fibromyalgia. The study involved 280 participants recruited through specialist rheumatology and pain clinics across Greater Manchester.
Study Design and Population
All participants had a confirmed fibromyalgia diagnosis meeting ACR 2016 criteria and had previously tried at least three conventional pharmacological treatments without adequate response. Participants were assessed at baseline, six months, and 24 months using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire Revised (FIQR) and measures of sleep quality, fatigue, and psychological wellbeing.
Principal Outcomes
- FIQR total score improved by a mean of 18.4 points (35%) over 24 months
- Sleep disturbance showed the most consistent improvement across participant subgroups
- Fatigue reduction was significant at 12 months but showed some attenuation by 24 months
- Anxiety and depression co-scores improved in 64% of participants
Implications for Practice
The study authors noted that fibromyalgia remains an indication with very limited effective pharmacological options and that the observed FIQR improvements compare favourably with those reported for current first-line treatments including pregabalin and duloxetine.
"Our data suggest that for a substantial proportion of fibromyalgia patients who have exhausted standard therapies, CBMPs warrant serious clinical consideration."
The full study has been submitted to a peer-reviewed rheumatology journal for publication.
