Vol. 4 No. 5 (2024): May
Reimbursement Recommendations

Cannabidiol (Epidiolex)

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Published May 7, 2024

Key Messages

  • CADTH recommends that Epidiolex be reimbursed by public drug plans for the adjunctive therapy of seizures associated with Dravet syndrome (DS) in patients aged 2 years or older, if certain conditions are met.
  • Epidiolex should only be covered to treat patients with seizures associated with DS who experience at least 4 convulsive seizures per 28 days and whose seizures are not adequately controlled with 2 or more other antiseizure medications (ASMs).
  • Epidiolex should only be reimbursed if prescribed by neurologists or pediatric neurologists with experience in the treatment of patients with DS for those with DS who are not receiving other cannabinoid-based medications, and the cost of Epidiolex is reduced. Treatment with Epidiolex should be stopped if the patient does not get beneficial clinical effects a maximum of 6 months after starting, or if the patient has severe side effects or is intolerant to the treatment.