Dronabinol use in France between 2004 and 2017

To investigate prescription practices for dronabinol, a pure extract of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, prescribed for refractory chronic pain in France since 2004.

A descriptive study based on answers to a questionnaire sent to dronabinol prescribers throughout metropolitan France between June and July 2017.

We assessed the type of prescribers including place of work (hospital, clinic or private practice) and their specialty. We also collected information about the patient profiles, diseases or symptoms initiating dronabinol prescription, its efficacy and side effects.

We received completed questionnaires from 26 prescribers in 17 different areas throughout 12 regions. This represented a total of 191 patients of the 377 indexed since 1st January 2006: the sex ratio was 1:1, with an average age of 51 years for men and of 45 for women. The reason for dronabinol prescription was: multiple sclerosis (49.7%); central neuropathic pain from other causes (36.6%); peripheral neuropathic pain (8%); Parkinson's disease (2.9%); and other causes (around 1%). The duration of dronabinol treatment ranged from 1 month to 6 years and the dose from 2.5mg to 30mg per day (in one or several intakes). 59% of the patients declared experiencing a 30 to 50% reduction in pain.

This first investigation into dronabinol in France underlines the need to further investigate prescription practices and efficacy so as to define conditions of good use and the place of dronabinol in pain management.