Dangers associated with taking cannabis-based drug Sativex highlighted
19/12/2005
Thank you very much for all your hard work, especially as the outcome is better than expected. Can't thank you enough.
Shana, Wiltshire
Possible dangers associated with the drug Sativex, which is currently being trialled in the UK were brought to light this week.
Sativex is a cannabis-based drug which could give pain relief caused by diabetic neuropathy.
A Coroner ruled last week that the drug had played a "significant contributory factor" in a woman's death.
The lady began to show symptoms when she started taking the drug in 2003. She became confused and was described as being 'intoxicated'.
A month after starting to take the drug she was admitted to hospital where her condition deteriorated dramatically.
She died in March 2004 from acute kidney failure.
Her Inquest which lasted five days ended last week. A narrative verdict was returned by the Coroner.
The manufacturer, GW Pharmaceuticals has said that the drug was not shown to be dangerous.
The trials, which are run by Diabetes UK are to continue.
Her family has called for an end to trials of Sativex.
The drug is not yet licensed in the UK, but has been granted a licence in Canada.
"All medical trials should adhere to strict rules, and monitoring. The safety of participants must be paramount," said law firm Alexander Harris.
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