Acomplia®
Acomplia is a weight loss drug designed to help the heavily overweight reach a healthy weight level. It works by blocking receptors in the body’s central nervous system that help control feelings of hunger. It has been granted market authorization in 40 countries and is sold within 20 of them throughout the world. It is yet to be approved by the FDA for use within the United States due to concerns about possible links with its use and depression and suicidal tendencies.
Acomplia is a branded version of the generic medication rimonabant. Rimonabant is the active ingredient within Acomplia tablets.
What does Acomplia look like?
Acomplia®
Strength(s): 20 MG
Imprint: ACOMPLIA 20
Manufacturer: SANOFI AVENTIS
What is the difference between Acomplia and rimonabant?
Rimonabant is the active ingredient in the branded drug Acomplia. Rimonabant is yet to receive approval from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for use within the United States.
“Zimulti” is the name Acomplia will be sold under in the US if approval is granted by the FDA.
How does Acomplia work?
Acomplia (rimonabant) works by blocking CB1 receptors in the central nervous system that help control amongst over functions, feelings of hunger. The receptors are also found in adipocytes (fat tissue). It is the first drug of its type (a selective CB1 receptor blocker) to be approved anywhere in the world.
What is Acomplia prescribed for?
Acomplia is helping combat the world’s rising levels of obesity. It is prescribed as a diet aid for the heavily overweight and obese, to be used in conjunction with low calorie diet and regular exercise.
Treatment needs to be continued to maintain weight loss however, the effects of long term use of Acomplia are unknown.
Who should Acomplia be prescribed for?
Acomplia is only recommended for the treatment of obese patients (BMI 30 kg/m²), or overweight patients (BMI > 27 kg/m²) with associated risk factors, such as type 2 diabetes or dyslipidaemia.
A regulated diet and exercise program should also be adopted by patients who are prescribed Acomplia.
Other uses of Acomplia
Acomplia has also found to aid smokers quit smoking.
Who should not take Acomplia?
Concerns have been raised based on the results of clinical studies that suggest that there may be a link between the use of rimonabant (Acomplia) and the development of depression, which if severe could lead to suicidal actions amongst patients.
Acomplia is not advised for use in people with a history of major depressive illness or patients receiving treatment with antidepressants; uncontrolled psychiatric illness and severe renal impairment.
If depression or psychiatric illness is diagnosed during rimonabant therapy, treatment must be stopped.
Acomplia should NOT be used in patients:
- Who are allergic to rimonabant or any of the inactive ingredients in Acomplia
- Have a galactose intolerance or glucose-galactose malabsorption
- Are breast feeding. If you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant whilst taking Acomplia inform your doctor
Caution should be taken when prescribing or taking Acomplia amongst the following groups:
- Patients with Hepatic impairment
- Patients with Renal impairment
- The Elderly (use of Acomplia amongst the 75+ age group have not been sufficiently studied)
- Patients takingk etoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, telithromycin, clarithromycin, or nefazodone
Possible side effects of Acomplia
| Nausea | Vomiting | Diarrhoea |
| Dry mouth | Anorexia | Depressions |
| Anxiety | Irritability | Nervousness |
| Sleep disorders | Impaired memory | Impaired attention |
Recommended Acomplia dosage
Recommended dosage is one 20mg tablet daily.
Acomplia Overdose
Experience with Acomplia overdosage is limited. In cases of overdose the following symptoms were reported; headache, euphoria, fatigue and insomnia. If an Acomplia overdose is suspected ensure that airways are kept clear, monitor heart activity and contact a doctor immediately.
Acomplia Ingredients:
Active Ingredient: Rimonabant
Inactive Ingredients: Tablet core: maize starch, lactose monohydrate, povidone K 30 (E1201), croscarmellose sodium (E468), sodium laurilsulfate (E487), microcrystalline cellulose (E460), magnesium stearate
Tablet coating: lactose monohydrate, hypromellose 15 mPa.s (E464), titanium dioxide (E171), macrogol 3000
Tablet polishing: carnauba wax (E903)
Who makes Acomplia?
Acomplia is a branded version of the generic drug Rimonabant. Rimonabant was developed and is manufactured by French pharmaceutical company, Sanofi-Aventis.
By the end of 2007 Rimonabant had received market authorization by 40 countries.
Following the decision by the FDA’s advisory council not to recommend the approval of Rimonabant within the United States, Sanofi-Aventis withdrew their drug application in June 2007. Sanofi-Aventis propose to submit a revised drug application at some point in the future seeking approval to market the drug as Zimulti in the US.