A guide to Acomplia

What is it?

Acomplia, generic name Rimonabant, is the latest prescription slimming pill to be licensed in the UK for the treatment of obesity. In clinical trials it also demonstrated itself as an aid to stopping smoking, but it is not yet licensed for this purpose. Acomplia belongs to a new class of drugs called "Canabinoid-1 Receptor Blockers", abbreviated to CB1.

It should be noted that although Acomplia is licensed for use within the EU, it is not yet licensed for use in the US.

Who manufactures Acomplia?

It is manufactured by Sanofi-aventis.

How does Acomplia work?

CB1 receptors are found in the brain. When people take a drug such as Cannibis, they are often tempted to eat a lot - they are said to get "the munchies". This is because Cannabis increases the activity of the endocannabinoid (EC) system. This system includes the CB1 receptors. In the same way that Cannabis switches these receptors on, Acomplia switches them off, and so decreases appetite.

Who is Acomplia prescribed for?

It is prescribed for obese patients (those with a BMI greater than or equal to 30) and overweight patients (those with a BMI greater than or equal to 27) who have associated risk factors such as high cholesterol and / or type II diabetes. Typically it is most successful in treating "apple" shaped bodies - ie those with a large waist circumference.

It is worth pointing out here that it will also be necessary for the overweight patient to stick to a calorie controlled diet and exercise appropriately in order to lose weight.

What is the correct dose?

One 20 mg tablet taken daily in the morning before breakfast.

How effective is it?

In clinical trials amongst patients who either took Acomplia or a placebo for a year, and were given an appropriate diet and exercise programme to stick to, the treated group lost an average of 6.5 kg compared to the control (placebo) group, that lost an average of 1.6 kg. Most of the weight was lost during the first nine months and the risk of regaining the weight was also lower in the treated group.

Are there any other benefits to taking this drug?

As mentioned previously, Acomplia has been clinically shown to reduce levels of fat in the blood. This includes improvement in blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

What are the side effects?

Common side effects include sickness and nausea, causing some patients to stop taking the drug.

Note:

You are advised to discuss with your doctor whether or not Acomplia is right for you before obtaining a prescription.

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