Acomplia (Rimonabant) is a weight loss drug that works by blocking the CB1 receptor, which stimulates hunger and other cravings in the brain and is also present in fat tissue. Acomplia (Rimonabant) helps in controlling food cravings gradually resulting in weight loss, improvement of cardiovascular/metabolic risk factors in obese patients and helps to reduce tobacco dependence without post cessation weight gain in people who smoke. This is found in the Endocannabinoid system (EC system) which plays a role in the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure of our body. Acomplia (Rimonabant) is a prescription drug to be taken as an adjunct to diet and exercise. In adults, the recommended dosage of Acomplia (Rimonabant) is 20mg daily to be taken in the morning before breakfast. The treatment should be introduced with a mildly reduced calorie diet. Children should not be taking this medication. Acomplia (Rimonabant) is metabolized by the liver, thus caution is advised in patients with moderate hepatic impairment. Acomplia (Rimonabant) should not be used in patients with severe renal impairment. Acomplia (Rimonabant) should be used with caution.
Directions
The recommended dose for Acomplia is one 20mg tablet, once a day, before breakfast.
Acomplia should be taken whilst you take a low calorie, balanced diet and exercise in order for you to get the best out of your medication.
Acomplia Side Effects
Like all medicines, Acomplia can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Very common side effects, that affect more than 1 in 10, that have occurred in patients on Acomplia® include:
- nausea
- upper respiratory tract infection
Common side effects, that affect more than 1 in 100 but less than 1 in 10, that have occurred in patients on Acomplia® include:
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- trouble with sleeping
- nervousness
- depression
- irritability
- dizziness
- diarrhoea
- anxiety
- itching
- excessive sweating
- muscle cramps or spasm
- fatique
- bruising
- tendon pain and inflammation (tendonitis)
- memory loss
- back pain (sciatica)
- altered sensitivity of the hands and feet
- hot flush
- fall
- influenza
- joint sprain
Uncommon side effects, that affect less than 1 in 100 but more than 1 in 1000, that have occurred in patients on Acomplia® include:
- sleepiness (lethargy)
- night sweats
- panic symptoms
- hiccups
- anger
- restlessness (dysphoria)
- emotional disorder
Rare side effects, that affect less than 1 in 1000, that have occurred in patients on Acomplia include hallucinations.
Warnings
Acomplia should be taken whilst you take a low calorie, balanced diet and exercise in order for you to get the best out of your medication.
Pregnancy
Acomplia should not be taken during pregnancy. Contact your doctor immediately if you become pregnant, think you might be pregnant or are planning to become pregnant while taking Acomplia.
Breastfeeding
Acomplia should also not be taken when breast-feeding and you should tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding or if you are planning to breast-feed your baby.
Interactions
Statins
There is no known recognised drug interaction between Acomplia and statins, so we do not expect there to be any particular problem in taking this combination. However, if you do have any concerns about your treatment, we do advise that you speak to your doctor.
Alcohol
Whilst there is no specific interaction between Acomplia and alcohol, we would advise against excessive drinking as this will increase your daily calorie intake by a substantial amount and you should be having a low calorie diet whilst you are taking Acomplia®. However, an odd glass of wine or beer should not be a problem.
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