Acomplia (rimonabant)
General information on Acomplia
Acomplia, with active ingredient rimonabant, is a prescription drug which belongs to a class of drugs known as CB 1 blockers. The drug is primarily used for treating obesity in cases where everything else fails. In some cases, it is also used for preventing cardiovascular diseases. The drug works by blocking canabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors. CB1 receptors are found in the brain, the digestive system and other vital organs of the body. They are thought to be responsible for increased appetite and increased cravings for sweet and fatty food. By blocking the receptors, the drug reduces the cravings for fatty foods and thus, helps in curing obesity.
Precautions/side effects of Acomplia
Patients allergic to rimonabant should refrain from using Acomplia. Apart from that, patients with severe kidney disease, liver disease, lactose intolerance or patients taking anti-depressant medicines should refrain from using this drug. Patients above the age of 75 years should use this drug only after consultation with a doctor.
The drug is also known to react with certain medications such as anti-depressant drugs, ritonavir, phenytoin, rifampicin, nefazodone etc. Patients on any of these drugs should take Acomplia only after consulting a doctor. The drug also increases the chances of adverse effects on the fetus as well as the newborn. Thus, pregnant women as well as women who are breastfeeding should refrain from using this drug.
Acomplia is also known to have certain side effects such as anxiety, increased perspiration, fatigue and troubled sleeping patterns. However, in certain cases, serious side effects may show up to the drug such as loss of memory, muscle spasm, hallucination, depression, vomiting or diarrhea. If any of these symptoms show up after taking the drug, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Important safety information
The drug has been banned in Europe as the disadvantages of the drug outweighed the advantages in clinical trials. Thus, the drug should be used only after thorough discussion with a physician.
The drug is not for use in children below the age of 18 years.
It is important to maintain a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle to maximize the effects of the drug. In clinical trials, respondents reported a increase in body weight after quitting the drug, emphasizing the importance of a healthy diet while using the drug and even after it.
The drug is known to cause depression. Hence, patients with mental disorders should ot take this drug.
