Acomplia
Acomplia is an oral appetite suppressant which provides
the associated benefit of helping people quit smoking simultaneously.
This diet pill & anti-smoking drug when used in conjunction
with balanced diet, regular exercise and behavior alteration
can prove to be an exemplary drug for weight loss with additional
benefits of smoking cessation. Acomplia, manufactured by
the French pharmaceutical company, Sanofi-Aventis, is pending
approval from the FDA; although it has become highly popular
among the people using it in countries like the UK, Germany,
and European Union.
The main component of Acomplia diet pill is Rimonabant. It works by blocking central cannabinoid (CB1) receptor, one of two receptors found in a newly explained physiological system called the Endocannabinoid System (EC System), believed to play a critical role in the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure. The CB1 receptors are believed to play a role in controlling food consumption by curbing hunger pangs, thereby, contributing to weight loss.
Drug class - Oral appetite suppressant and anti smoking drug
Brand names - Acomplia (Sanofi-Aventis)
How to use
- Acomplia should be taken only on consultation with a doctor to guard against possible side effects and probable drug interactions.
- Use Acomplia exactly as it was prescribed for you. Never overdose yourself or use it for longer periods than recommended by your doctor.
- Acomplia is used in the short-term treatment of obesity.
- Acomplia should be taken once in a day, before breakfast.
Side Effects
The initial adjustment: The clinical trials
of Acomplia has shown few side effects such as dizziness,
anxiety, nausea, upset stomach, restlessness, sleep disorders,
irritability, muscle cramp, etc. These initial pangs of
side-effects generally tend to diminish as your body adjusts
to the drug.
What to avoid: Acomplia diet
pills may cause dizziness, and mood disorders. Therefore,
use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing
other hazardous activities.
Consult a doctor: Consult your doctor if these side effects persist; or you encounter some severe health risks. Since Acomplia affects CB1 – the pleasure receptor of the brain, any neuropsychiatric side effects like depression may be a possibility. Therefore, inform your doctor if you encounter any such problems.
Drug interaction
- Consult your doctor and inform about all the prescription
and nonprescription drugs you use.
- Inform your doctor if you are taking any anti-depressant
medicines so as to prevent drug interaction.
- Acomplia diet pills contain lactose; therefore, patients
with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance,
the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose mal-absorption,
should refrain from taking this drug.
Precautions
- The effect of the drug on an unborn baby is unknown. Thereby, the patient seeking treatment for obesity and smoking cessation should abstain from using the drug if she is pregnant or contemplating pregnancy.
- Lactating mothers should consult your doctor before using the Acomplia since there are chances that the drug may be passed into breast milk.
- This drug is not recommended for use in children.
- Acomplia is metabolized by the liver; therefore patients with moderate hepatic impairment are cautioned to use the drug only after medical consultation.
Dosage
Oral dosage form (Tablets) - 20mg of Acomplia dosage to be swallowed with one full glass of water. The tablet should not be crushed or chewed for consumption.
Overdose: Never overdose on the drug. Seek emergency medical attention immediately in cases with drug overdose.
Missed dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is too late or almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Never take a double dose of this medication.
Storage
Acomplia should be stored at room temperature in a cool and dry place. Keep away from the reach of children.
Important note
The following information is intended to complement and
not substitute for, the expertise and opinion of your physician,
pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not
be interpreted to indicate that use of the drug is safe,
apt, or effectual for you. It is recommended that you consult
your healthcare provider before using this drug.
