What Is Epidiolex & Why FDA Has Approved This CBD Oil

What is Epidiolex, and why is it considered a groundbreaking medicine? There are several good reasons for it, and we’ll go through the major ones. It belongs to a group of cannabis medications that are currently revolutionizing the world of medicine.

In this article, we’ll talk about Epidiolex, its usage, effects, and cost. 

Epidiolex — the First FDA Approved CBD Oil

Interestingly enough, while marijuana and its most famous compounds (CBD and THC) are familiar to the general public as a simple relaxation aid, the FDA-approved cannabis drugs are used to treat extreme conditions such as epilepsy, AIDS, and cancer.

In other words, Epidiolex paved the way for others to come. The story of Epidiolex is not just a success story but a real heroic tale of parents fighting epilepsy and convincing a pharmaceutical giant to commence the production. 

Epidiolex FDA Approval Story

Once upon a time, there was a boy named Sam Vogelstein, who had been struggling with epilepsy since he was 4. By the time he turned 6, his seizures had become more frequent and violent — up to 100 per day! 

Sam’s parents, Fred Vogelstein and Evelyn Nussenbaum, had tried every AED medication possible, the ketogenic diet, and applied every piece of advice they received or read in literature.

Eventually, they tried CBD on their son, and it worked! He responded to the treatment, and the seizures were minimized. However, for treating epilepsy, Sam Volgestein needed a regular, set dose of CBD.

There were issues with the CBD legal status in the US, as well as the fact that cannabis products are not FDA regulated. Consequently, the CBD amount in them constantly varies. For treating epilepsy, Sam Volgestein needed a regular, set dose of CBD.

Evelyn Nussenbaum came across GW Pharmaceuticals CBD. They had all the needed facilities for the production, including cannabis sativa greenhouses. The parents managed to reach the company’s chairman, and the rest is history. Thanks to their endeavors, their son has been seizure-free for years and millions of other children have been given hope. Epidiolex is FDA-approved and available to epilepsy patients.

Now, let’s see what it says on the Epidiolex label.

What Are the Ingredients in Epidiolex?

This orally administered cannabidiol solution has a strawberry flavor. It’s gluten-free and white to pale yellow in color. Epidiolex contains 100mg/ml of CBD. As you may already be familiar with, CBD is one of the two basic cannabis compounds that does NOT get you high (that’s THC’s job). 

Besides CBD, Epidiolex ingredients comprise dehydrated alcohol, sucralose (artificial sweetener), and sesame seed oil. 

Its healing properties are numerous, and it is already used for a variety of cases, though not all of them are officially recognized.

Epidiolex needs to be kept in an upright position at 68–77°F. You must not freeze it, and you need to use it within 12 weeks of opening the bottle.

What Is Epidiolex Used For?

Epidiolex is an FDA-approved CBD oil for seizures. It can be used by children (over 1 year old) and adults. It’s prescribed to help with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. 

• Dravet syndrome can be diagnosed in the first year and is characterized by frequent seizures followed by fever. These later develop into other types of epileptic seizures, which can eventually lead to death. Dravet syndrome life expectancy rates range from 80% to 90%. Unfortunately, this means 10% to 20% of the sufferers don’t live into adulthood. The deaths usually occur before the patient is 10 years old.
• Lennox-Gastaut syndrome usually occurs in children between ages 3 and 5. Violent, frequent seizures have a hugely detrimental effect on a person’s physical and mental abilities. The majority of children suffering from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome have learning and motoric issues. Consequently, the quality of life is seriously impaired, requiring constant daily help.

Regarding Epidiolex approval in the UK, in 2021, the MHRA authorized its use for the treatment of seizures associated with Tuberous sclerosis complex.  

• Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare multisystem autosomal dominant genetic disease characterized by tumor growth all over the body. Most of the tumors are benign, but they cause numerous health hazards. Over 90% of patients with tuberous sclerosis complex have epilepsy.

Epidiolex could also be used for the treatment of infantile spasms or West syndrome in the future. Namely, the cannabidiol effect has been tested, and there are some interesting research results. 

How Does Epidiolex Work?

The researchers still don’t know how exactly Epidiolex works. However, studies suggest it interacts with other non-cannabinoid receptors in our brain. 

For example, Epidiolex can slow down messages and signals sent in our brain by changing the calcium levels in brain cells. In addition to that, it can decrease inflammation in the brain. Moreover, a trial on cannabidiol for drug-resistant seizures in the Dravet syndrome show that by taking 20 mg per kg per day, Epidiolex can decrease the number of convulsive seizures. 

How to Determine Epidiolex Dosage 

Epidiolex’s dosage is calculated by weight. 

Epidiolex bottle contains 100 mL of solution and two 5 mL syringes that can be reused. You can also obtain a 1 mL syringe from the pharmacist if needed. 

The recommended dose starts at 2.5 mg per kg, twice a day (one kg is equal to 2.2 pounds) After a week, the dosage can be increased to 5 mg per kg or 10 mg per kg, taken twice a day. 

Epidiolex must be taken at the same time each day on a full or an empty stomach. Never take two doses at the same time. If you missed a dose, consult with your doctor. 

Epidiolex Side Effects

Just like any medication, Epidiolex has a sizable list of potential side effects. For this reason, it can only be obtained through a doctor’s prescription and bought in pharmacies, not dispensaries. 

Also, this medicine is not for you if you are allergic to CBD!

A person using Epidiolex for seizures may experience some of the following side effects:

• Coughing
• Fever
• Lower back pain or side pain
• Difficulties during urination
• Irritability
• Agitation
• Chills
• Hoarseness
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Weakness

Less common Epidiolex side effects include:

• Diarrhea 
• Difficulty breathing
• Anger and aggression
• Increased heart rate
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Blue lips, fingernails, or skin

Some side effects such as rash, insomnia, or increased saliva may occur at the beginning and disappear later when the body gets used to the medicine. 

Consulting with the physician is obligatory, especially since Epidiolex is known to cause liver issues. Yellow skin or eyes are emergency warning signs. It also interacts with other drugs, especially the ones used for relaxation or sleep.

What Is the Epidiolex Cost?

At the moment, Epidiolex is still being criticized for its high cost, making it unavailable to many people. However, compared to its pharmaceutical competitors, such as Fycompa, the price isn’t as high as it seems.

On average, the cost of Epidiolex is $32,500 per year. If you’ve got insurance, then the price can be much lower. Because Epidiolex is an FDA-approved CBD drug, your insurance can cover its cost (about $2,708 a month, $677 a week, or $96 a day). 

At the same time, Epidiolex UK cost ranges between $6,870 (£5,000) and $13,740 (£10,000) per patient. 

Why is the public dissatisfied? The majority argues that the price is too high. If Epidiolex is nothing much more than CBD oil, the difference between the medicine and a dispensary-purchased CBD bottle is extreme. 

For instance, a similar non-FDA-approved CBD oil could cost $3,840.

The Epidiolex price is still competitive, though, but only when medical insurance covers it. Otherwise, it costs an arm and a leg, similarly to other epilepsy meds, and people usually tend to need several of them.

Epidiolex and Other Conditions

As mentioned before, Epidiolex is approved for the treatment of seizures caused by Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and TSC. 

Although studies suggest CBD can help relieve the symptoms of many other mental and physical disorders, the FDA doesn’t approve of using Epidiolex for anxiety, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, autism, pain, and migraine.  

Conclusion

To sum it up, Epidiolex is the first “real” cannabis drug that got the FDA blessing. It’s prescribed as a treatment for seizures caused by Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, and Tuberous sclerosis complex. 

It’s also important to mention that Epidiolex can be used by children (over one year old) and adults. 

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About the Author

Bojana Petkovic

A cannabis enthusiast, fascinated by the plant’s healing powers and the ever-changing world of the marijuana industry, trying to work out what is going on and let you know all the fun details — that’s my mission here. Keeping you high and healthy!

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