Nabilone for Chronic Pain Management: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines

Details

Files
Project Status:
Completed
Project Line:
Health Technology Review
Project Sub Line:
Summary with Critical Appraisal
Project Number:
RC0906-000

Question

  1. What is the clinical effectiveness of nabilone for the treatment of chronic pain due to any disease in adults?
  2. What are the evidence-based guidelines associated with the treatment of chronic pain due to any disease in adults?

Key Message

One systematic review and two primary studies, all conducted in Canada, were identified. While there was evidence of some positive benefits and limited harms of nabilone, compared to placebo or known analgesics, in patients with cancer or non-cancer pain, the included literature had several limitations. The findings, therefore, should be interpreted with caution. No evidence-based guidelines provided recommendations on the use of nabilone for chronic pain management.