Patient living in 'horrific pain' due to UK-wide drugs shortage

Jill Kenning, a woman living with multiple sclerosis (MS) in Coleraine, Northern Ireland, is experiencing excruciating pain due to a nationwide shortage of the drug Nabilone, which she relies on to manage her condition. Since running out of the drug last Tuesday, Kenning has spent most of her time in bed, struggling with constant pain and an inability to sleep, eat, or function normally.

Nabilone, a life-changing medication for her, has been in short supply across the UK, with the number of drugs in short stock reaching 157 this week, up from 107 in January. The Northern Ireland devolved health department stated that they could not disclose the reason for the disruption, citing commercial sensitivity. Kenning, diagnosed with MS in 2008, was prescribed Nabilone in 2009, which significantly improved her quality of life, allowing her to get out of bed in the morning and manage her symptoms.

However, without access to the drug, she has been suffering from unbearable pain in her eye, likening it to being stabbed with a hot poker. Despite contacting her health trust for a regular repeat prescription, Kenning was informed that Nabilone was not available, prompting her to seek alternative medications with no success. Her health has deteriorated to the point where she has spent several nights in the hospital due to the severity of her pain.

She expressed frustration and despair, questioning how she will live her life and cope with the ongoing pain. Kenning emphasized the need for better preparation by healthcare professionals to address such shortages, stating that she is not only fighting for her own well-being but also for that of other patients relying on Nabilone for their treatment.