Opioid and Cannabinoid Pharmacokinetic Interactions

Chronic pain conditions remain problematic, especially in patients with cancer. Although opioids are effective analgesics, dose-limiting side effects in the form of sedation, nausea and vomiting, and fear of dependence often limit their use at higher - and possibly more effective - doses. Of particular interest, however, is the potential for greater than additive analgesic effect of cannabinoids and opioids in combination that would allow for opioid analgesic effect to be achieved at lower dosages than are necessary alone, which could overcome problems with both tolerance and side effects for both drug classes. Unfortunately, safety data on the combination in humans does not exist at this time and needs to be obtained. As increasing numbers of patients with chronic pain may turn to cannabis to augment the effects of their opioid analgesics, data on potential pharmacokinetic interactions and clinical safety of the combinations should be evaluated in a controlled clinical research setting.

Inclusion criteria

• Ongoing analgesic therapy with either oxycodone hydrochloride (OxyContin) or morphine sulfate (MS Contin) every 12 hours for chronic pain.
• Eligible subjects will be ≥ 18 years of age with a diagnosis of chronic pain and an estimated survival of greater than six months.
• Subjects must be on a stable dose of opioid medication for at least 2 weeks before enrollment.
• Current other analgesic medications will be maintained during the study. The subject must have been on a stable medication regimen for at least 2 weeks.
• The following laboratory parameters documented within 45 days prior to study entry:

• Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ≤ 5 X upper limit of normal (ULN)
• Total bilirubin ≤ 2 X ULN
• Creatinine ≤ 2.0 mg/dL (177 µmol/L)
• All men and women in this study must agree to use adequate birth control during this study. Acceptable barrier birth control methods are a male condom, female condom, diaphragm, or intra-uterine (IUD).
• All women of reproductive potential (who have not reached menopause or undergone hysterectomy, oophorectomy, or tubal ligation) must have a negative urine b-HCG pregnancy test performed before initiating the protocol-specified medication.
• Prior history of use of marijuana. Subjects must have smoked marijuana on at least 6 occasions in their lifetime prior to enrollment.
• Able to understand and follow the instructions of the investigator, including completing the pain intensity rating scales.
• Karnofsky Performance Score >60.
• Able and willing to provide informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Severe coronary artery disease, uncontrolled hypertension, cardiac ventricular conduction abnormalities, or orthostatic mean blood pressure drop greater than 24 mmHg, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• History of renal or hepatic failure.
• Evidence of hepatic, hematological or renal dysfunction based on judgment of physician.
• Active substance abuse (e.g., alcohol or injection drugs).
• Use of smoked marijuana within 30 days of enrollment verified with a urine THC level.
• Neurologic dysfunction or psychiatric disorder severe enough to interfere with assessment of pain or sensory systems.
• Current use of smoked tobacco products or a confirmed cotinine level.
• Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding may not take part in this study.
• Unable to read or speak English.