MS patient endures severe pain as UK-wide Nabilone shortage persists

Jill Kenning, a 38‑year‑old woman from Coleraine in County Londonderry, has been living with what she describes as "horrific pain" after the drug she relies on for multiple sclerosis (MS) pain relief became unavailable. Kenning has taken Nabilone, a synthetic cannabinoid, for 17 of the 18 years since her MS diagnosis in 2008. Since she exhausted her medication supply last Tuesday, the resulting scarcity has kept her mostly bedridden while she endures relentless eye discomfort, a sensation she compares to being pierced by a heated rod.

Northern Ireland's devolved health department confirmed that the disruption affects the whole United Kingdom, with wholesalers reporting no stock of Nabilone and no expected replenishment until December. The department declined to explain the cause of the shortage, citing commercial sensitivity. Kenning’s health trust told her there were no supplies, and she was advised to contact her neurologist, who prescribed alternative medication that she says has not provided relief.

Kenning’s condition has deteriorated to the point where she required several nights of hospital admission. She reported an inability to sleep, loss of appetite and reliance on other painkillers, stating she does not wish to remain in hospital but feels trapped by the severity of her pain.

Background

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that damages the myelin sheath protecting nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord, leading to a range of neurological symptoms. Kenning first sought medical help in 2008 after vision problems and later developed left‑side numbness. After a serious flare-up that necessitated a month-long hospitalization, she was given Nabilone, a treatment she credits with significantly enhancing her daily living standards by allowing her to rise each morning.

The shortage of Nabilone is part of a broader trend of drug supply issues across the UK. Industry reference guide MIMS data indicates that the count of drugs facing supply shortages climbed to 157 this week, an increase from the January 2026 minimum of 107. Earlier reports highlighted growing concerns about medicine shortages in England and Northern Ireland, with pharmacists warning of worsening availability.

Why it matters

Kenning’s experience highlights the impact of pharmaceutical supply chain disruptions on patients with chronic conditions. Nabilone is considered a vital component of pain management for some MS sufferers, and its unavailability forces patients to rely on less effective alternatives, potentially leading to increased hospital admissions and reduced quality of life. The shortage also underscores the vulnerability of patients when essential medicines become scarce, prompting calls for better preparedness and communication from health authorities.

The situation affects not only Kenning but also other MS patients across the UK who depend on Nabilone for symptom control. The lack of transparency about the cause of the shortage has been criticised, with patient advocates urging health departments to provide clearer information and contingency plans.

What happens next

According to the Northern Ireland health department, the current expectation is that Nabilone will not be back in wholesale stock until December 2026. No further details on the steps being taken to resolve the supply issue have been disclosed. Patients like Kenning are advised to remain in contact with their neurologists and health trusts for alternative treatment options while awaiting the drug’s return.