EVALUATION OF PAIN IN FIBROMYALGIA PATIENTS TREATED WITH CANNABIS OIL

INTRODUCTION Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain and a significant reduction in quality of life. The use of cannabis oil has recently been proposed as an alternative treatment for pain control, although clinical trials are still limited. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of cannabis oil in patients with fibromyalgia. OBJECTIVE The main objective of this study was to evaluate the reduction in perceived pain, measured by the NRS, and the tolerability of cannabis oil in a sample of patients with fibromyalgia. In addition, the study explored the influence of pre-existing comorbidities on treatment response and patient adherence to therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective study was conducted, with prior consent to data processing for research and publication purposes, on 65 patients with fibromyalgia treated with cannabis oil. Data were collected over a period of 6±1 months, analyzing NRS scores at the start of treatment (T0), at T1: 3±1 month of treatment and T2: 6±1 month of treatment. A segmented analysis was performed by age, sex and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and patient-reported side effects were monitored. RESULTS The results indicate a reduction in NRS scores in the overall sample, with a more marked improvement in young patients with low comorbidities (CCI 0-2). However, seven patients, all women, dropped out of treatment due to side effects, such as cognitive changes, hypotension and somnolence. Patients with higher CCI showed less pain reduction, except for a few isolated cases that responded favorably to the therapy. DISCUSSIONS AND CONCLUSIONS Treatment with cannabis oil has shown promising potential in pain management in patients with fibromyalgia, especially in those with few comorbidities. However, tolerability of treatment remains a critical issue, with side effects that may impact adherence to therapy. Larger prospective studies will be needed to confirm these results and to evaluate the impact of treatment also on quality of life, using tools such as the FIQr questionnaire, in addition to pain management.