11-year-old girl will receive cannabidiol treatment paid for by the Union

The state of Paraná and the Union will have to bear the cost of purchasing a cannabidiol-based medication for an 11-year-old girl with autism spectrum disorder and difficult-to-control epileptic encephalopathy. The decision was taken by the Federal Court of Maringá, in response to a medical prescription denied by the Unified Health System (SUS).

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In the request, the girl’s family said that she was evaluated by a pediatric neurologist who prescribed cannabidiol because previous attempts with medications available in the SUS, such as Gardenal, Sabril, Keppra and Vimpat, were not effective. The decision to take legal action was also made because the family claims they are unable to afford the treatment, which would cost around R$4 thousand per year.

Federal judge José Jácomo Gimenes, from the 1st Federal Court of Maringá, recognized that the patient “presents a severe condition of convulsive crises, episodes of self-mutilation, lack of motor focus, with significant limitations in social and school activities, family life and society” .

“In view of this situation, the doctor assisting him, a neuropediatrician, prescribed him the use of the medication Cannabidiol. In other demands of this same type, which aim to grant Cannabidiol for the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder, expert reports have already been presented to grant treatment, highlighting the benefits achieved and the significant improvement in the quality of life of patients”, assessed the judge. .

Gimenes also made a reservation that the need for use was certified by a “health professional, who is liable civilly, administratively and criminally for any defects in the statement provided”. For the federal judge, “according to all the medical documentation attached to the case file, the intended medication is proven to be effective, indicated and essential for the treatment of the plaintiff’s illness.”