Acomplia (Rimonabant), an appetite suppressant diet pill, is used in conjuntion to a healthy diet plan and exercise routine to treat obese or overweight patients, suffering from Type 2 diabetes and abnormal levels of fat in the blood. It diminishes risk of cardiovascular disease.

Acomplia selectively blocks CB1 receptors found in the brain and the peripheral organs, important in glucose and lipid/fat metabolism, including adipose tissue, the liver, gastrointestinal tract and muscle (1). This acts to decrease the over-activity of the endocannabinoid system, which includes receptors such as the CB1 receptor. It plays an important role in regulating body weight and controlling energy balance, as well as glucose and lipid/fat metabolism.

Acomplia is manufactured by the Sanofi Aventis. Its generic name is Rimonabant.

Controversies when Acomplia was Introduced

Acomplia is a new line of obesity drugs that work by blocking the Canabinoid-1 (CB-1) receptor found in the brain and other organs. This decreases cravings for food while aiding in metabolization of both glucose and fats. As a result, less fat is stored in the body.

Although a great weight loss pill with proven efficacy in shedding unwanted weight, a major controversy arose when Acomplia was introduced in the market. The approvers reasoned that Acomplia had too many potentially dangerous side effects that had not been addressed. In the clinical trials, patients who were on the medication reported twice as many psychiatric problems against the placebo. These included anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Some were also found to be more susceptible to suicidal thoughts, a major cause for concern. Furthermore, because of the intense market for anti-obesity drugs, it was felt that the promise of weight loss would make many turn to the drug without considering the psychological risks.

Medical Tests on Acomplia and its Success Rates

While the potential benefits and risks of this new weight loss drug were debatable, medical tests proved the drugs efficacy. Tests concluded that the benefits far outweighed the potential risks. Patients who were on the drug during the clinical trials phase were able to lose 5% more weight than those who were on a placebo after a year. The findings were as follows:

Acomplia selectively targeted and blocked the CB1 receptors, helping normalize the over-activation of the EC system. This makes hunger pangs more manageable, facilitates weight loss and also improves cardiovascular/ metabolic risk factors in overweight/obese patients.

In the RIO-Lipids trial, weight loss was accompanied by a decrease in waist size of 3.4 inches demonstrating significant reduction in abdominal obesity, an independent marker for heart disease.

Dramatic improvements were also reported in lipid profile with a 23% increase in HDL-cholesterol (good cholesterol) and a 15% decrease in triglycerides.

Improvements in glucose tolerance and insulin levels were also reported. Approximately half of the patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, who received the higher 20 mg daily dose of Acomplia, did not have this condition at the conclusion of the trial.

Comes in the strength of

Acomplia is red and yellow, and the recommended dose is one 20mg tablet a day, before breakfast.

Ingredients of Acomplia

The active ingredient in Acomplia is Rimonabant, which is a CB1 endocannabinoid receptor antagonist which helps regulate metabolism, energy levels and appetite.

Side Effects of Acomplia

Acomplia works on the CB- 1 receptors present throughout the body. Blocking these receptors in turn works on the food intake of an individual and curbs appetite. Noticeable weight loss starts taking place as the food intake is decreased. This in turn affects lipid and glucose metabolism, including the liver, adipose tissue muscles and the gastrointestinal tract.

The once daily 20mg tablet before breakfast has to be swallowed whole.

All drugs have side effects, and Acomplia is no exception. One of the beneficial side affect is – altered blood lipid profile. However, the other known side effects are:

• Gastrointestinal disorders like nausea and vomitting
• Disorders of the nervous system like headaches, giddiness and lightheadedness
• Psychiatric disorders like mood swings, anxiety, depression, irritability and sleep disorders amongst others.

It is advisable to discontinue Acomplia if you suffer from mental health problems. It is not suitable for those with ongoing major depressive illness and/or anti depressive treatment. The incidence of depressive disorders or altered mood with symptoms of depression were found in up to 10% of patients and the incidence of suicidal thoughts in 1% of patients on Acomplia medication.

Online Availability of Acomplia

Acomplia weight loss drug, available in 20 gm pills, can be bought online from the manufacturerâ??s site, by email, via fax or over the telephone. Acomplia weight loss drug can also be bought from any of the online pharmacies.

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