Acomplia

Acomplia tablets contain the active ingredient rimonabant, which is a type of medicine called a cannabinoid-1 receptor antagonist. It is used to aid weight loss in people who are obese or overweight. Acomplia works by blocking receptors called cannabinoid-1 receptors (CB1). These are found in the brain, fat tissue, digestive system, liver and muscles. The CB1 receptors are part of a system in the body called the endocannabinoid system. This system has only recently been discovered and explored. It is involved in regulating energy balance, sugar and fat metabolism and body weight.

The CB1 receptors found in a particular area of the brain called the mesolimbic system are involved in controlling our intake of highly palatable, sweet or fatty foods. Overactivation of the CB1 receptors is associated with increased appetite, cravings for food and fat build-up.

Acomplia usage
Acomplia is used complementary to diet and exercise to treat obese or overweight patients who suffer from Type 2 diabetes and abnormal levels of fat in the blood. Acomplia can also prevent the risk of cardiovascular disease. Patients with large waist circumference (102 cm in men and 88 cm in women) will mostly benefit from taking the drug.

Acomplia can be prescribed to aid weight loss in obese people who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30kg/m² or more. It can also be prescribed to overweight people with a BMI of 27kg/m² or more who also have additional risk factors for obesity-related diseases, for example type 2 diabetes or unhealthy levels of fats in the blood (dyslipidaemia, eg high triglyceride levels and low HDL-cholesterol levels). It should be used in combination with a reduced calorie diet and exercise program.

Side effects
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Nausea.
• Infections of the upper airways.
• Mood changes.
• Depression.
• Anxiety.
• Nervousness.
• Irritability.
• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia).
• Sleep disorders, eg sleep walking, night sweats.
• Dizziness.
• Memory loss.
• Decreased sensation, eg to touch or pain.
• Sciatica (back pain).
• Hot flushes.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhoea.
• Fatigue.
• Itching.
• Increased sweating.
• Muscle spasms or cramps.
• Tendon inflammation (tendonitis).
• Feeling unwell, restless or agitated.
• Hallucinations.