Acomplia Weight Loss Pill: FAQ

This Product has been suspended

European suspension of Marketing Authorisation for Acomplia (rimonabant)

Advice for patients from the Firstmed:
Acomplia will no longer be available within the EU and Prima-med has now suspended all prescriptions for Acomplia. The MHRA has not issued official instructions asking patients, currently taking Acomplia, to stop, however patients who wish to stop taking Acomplia can do so at any time. If you would like more information please do not hesitate to contact our doctor.

to view MHRA advice

 

As with any new treatment you are bound to have many questions about the Acomplia weight loss pill and how to buy the Acomplia weight loss pill. Listed below are common questions and answers designed to provide first time guidance regarding the weight loss drug that is currently available with our service. If there is a question you would like to put to our doctor that is not covered below, please feel free to email.

• What is Acomplia?
• How does Acomplia work?
• How well does Acomplia work?
• What is the correct dosage?
• What are the side effects of Acomplia?
• Is there any reason why I shouldn't take Acomplia?
• Can I get Acomplia on the NHS?
• Where can I buy the Acomplia weight loss pill?

What is Acomplia?

Acomplia is a new prescription weight loss drug used to aid weight loss in people who are obese or overweight. Acomplia tablets contain the active ingredient rimonabant, which is a type of medicine called a cannabinoid-1 receptor antagonist.

How does Acomplia work?

The Acomplia weight loss pill (rimonabant) works by blocking receptors called cannabinoid-1 receptors (CB1). These are found in the brain, fat tissue, digestive system, liver and muscles. Rimonabant blocks CB1 receptors and so reduces cravings for food and helps decrease appetite and control hunger. The result is that patients will experience the feeling of being full easier thus wanting to eat less than normally.

Note: Acomplia (rimonabant) has not been licensed in the UK for smoking cessation. During clinical studies the drug clearly demonstrated a reduced craving for nicotine in patients the drug has only at the moment been approved as an obesity treatment.

How well does Acomplia work?

Clinical Studies have shown that 33% of people taking the Acomplia weight loss pill lost 10% of body weight and kept their weight down for two years which is extremely newsworthy as no other weight loss drug has accomplished this for so long a period.

A 20mg dose of Acomplia statistically significantly:

• Reduces weight
• Improves blood sugar levels
• Improves the blood lipid profile
• Improves systolic blood pressure

Acomplia has also been shown to have a beneficial effect on blood glucose and fat levels. Specifically it raises HDL cholesterol levels (the good cholesterol).

What is the correct dosage?

The usual dose is one 20mg tablet to be taken once daily in the morning before breakfast. Swallow the tablet whole.

You need to start and continue a reduced calorie diet and a physical activity program to get best results. Your doctor should recommend the type of diet and the level of physical activity required, that suits your specific condition and overall health.

What are the side effects of Acomplia?

All drugs have side effects, and the Acomplia slimming pill is no exception. It has been reported by some that some of the side effects seem to subside once adjustment to the drug is made. Acomplia could be less severe than what someone would experience with many other weight loss drugs. Possible side-effects include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Disorders of the nervous system, this includes headaches, faintness and feeling dizzy.
• Psychiatric disorders, including mood swings, anxiety, depression, irritability, sleep disorders and other similar disorders. If you already have a history of mental health disorders, it would be highly advisable to mention this to your doctor before obtaining this drug.

Is there any reason why I shouldn't take Acomplia?

Acomplia is only licensed for weight control in patients with a BMI (Body Mass Index) above 30 or Patients with a BMI above 27 with associated risk factor(s), such as type 2 diabetes or dyslipidaemia.

Acomplia should not be taken, or should be taken only under exceptional circumstances under your doctor's direct guidance, in the following circumstances:

• Anyone who exhibits hypersensitivity or an allergic reaction to the drug (it should never be used in these circumstances).
• Anyone with an impaired liver function. The effects of Acomplia have not been studied in patients with liver damage.
• Anyone with impaired kidney function. It should never be used in patients with a severely limited kidney function.
• Anyone over the age of 75. There is no data currently available to establish safety in this age group.
• Any children under the age of 18 - there is currently a lack of data on efficacy and safety for this age group.
• Pregnant or lactating women - safety in these groups has not been established. Indeed, current data in rats shows possible damage to the developing foetus and an inhibited sucking reflex in young rats.
• There is little data on the safety of Acomplia in patients suffering from epilepsy and it should be prescribed with caution in these instances.
• The Acomplia tablet contains lactose and should therefore not be prescribed to patients with a lactose intolerance.
• It should only be used with caution in combination with CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as ketocinazole, ritonavir, clarthromycin and related drugs.
• It should not be prescribed to patients with an uncontrolled psychiatric condition, and is not recommended for use with antidepressants as there is a lack of data on the safety in these circumstances. Acomplia may bring about an increased incidence of “suicidal thoughts” and is not recommended for patients who are clinically depressed.

We make no claims as to the completeness of this list - there may well be other contraindications to the prescription of Acomplia.

Can I get the weight loss pill Acomplia on the NHS?

Not yet. It has not yet been approved by NICE, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. There is concern that widespread use of this drug on the NHS will cost more money than the NHS can reasonably be expected to fund.

Where can I buy the Acomplia weight loss pill?

Acomplia can be prescribed by our doctor following an online consultation. Simply complete our online registration form which will then be reviewed by a Firstmed doctor. Once you have been cleared for treatment you can then log into our secure treatments area, from there you can buy Acomplia.

Orders placed before 3pm Monday to Friday will be dispatched same day for next day deliver

This services is registered with the Care Quality Commission