Acomplia functions by affecting the Endocannabinoid system, which controls appetite and energy expenditure. Acomplia selectively blocks some receptors in the Endocannabinoid system, thus creating a better balance which in turn suppresses appetite and the longing to overeat. Although Acomplia is primarily used for treatment of obesity, Acomplia also has usefulness as a smoking cessation drug.
Acomplia has a novel mode of action that targets the same biological \"switch\" in the brain that makes people hungry when they smoke cannabis. Acomplia works by binding to and blocking a so-called cannabinoid receptor protein found on the surface of brain cells.
Obese patients treated for one year on the highest dose of Acomplia (Acomplia 20 mg) per day shed an average of 19 pounds and lost 3.5 inches of waistline, researchers showed, while 39 percent lost more than one-10th of their body weight while taking Acomplia.
Acomplia also boosted levels of "good" HDL cholesterol in the blood by 27 percent.
Acomplia helps reduced fat around the waist, increases good cholesterol, lowers signs of inflammation in the blood vessels, and improves the body\'s ability to handle insulin. That\'s important, since abdominal fat -- particularly combined with high cholesterol -- has been found to play a more important role than overall excess weight in the development of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Acomplia Prescription
To purchase Acomplia, the patient must have been prescribed Acomplia by a certified doctor or online pharmacy. Acomplia is available with several internet pharmacies in the UK, however it has not been approved for sale in the US.
On the weight loss front, the results of Acomplia have been impressive. Lancet, a medical journal of the UK published the results of a clinical Acomplia trial conducted in 2005. It was reported in the article that overweight people, who underwent Acomplia trials lost weight significantly, with just five mgs of Acomplia. With 20 mgs of Rimonabant (Acomplia 20mg), the weight loss was 10% or greater than those taking the placebo.
Moreover, Acomplia has been found helpful in reducing waist measurements by doing away with the fat over the problem areas. Some of the other benefits of Rimonabant are increasing insulin resistance and high density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Acomplia has been approved for sale in the UK. It still awaits approval by FDA in the US. Sanofi-Aventis is planning to launch rimonabant by the name of Zimulti rather than Acomplia.
Acomplia Dosage
It is advised to take Acomplia before breakfast on a regular basis. Take the medication as per your doctor\'s prescription. Some people have the misconception that if they double their dose of Acomplia than that which is actually prescribed, they can get better results. It is not true. Trying to double the dose of Acomplia can prove to be harmful for your health.
How to Take Acomplia
Always take Acomplia exactly as your doctor has instructed you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure. The usual dose is one 20mg Acomplia 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.
Take Acomplia with food and drink. Acomplia should be taken once daily in the morning before breakfast. If you take more Acomplia than you should tell your doctor or pharmacist. If you forget to take Acomplia take it as soon as you remember but do not take a double dose to make up for any forgotten dose.
Acomplia Precautions
Do not take Acomplia:
- If you are (hypersensitive) allergic to rimonabant, or any of the other ingredients of Acomplia or Zimulti.
- If you are breast-feeding.
Tell your doctor before you take this medicine:
- If you have impaired liver
- If you have severely impaired renal function
- If you are currently being treated for epilepsy
- If you are less than 18 years of age. There is no information available on the use of Acomplia in people under 18 years of age.
The activity of Acomplia (Rimonabant) is increased by simultaneous use of some drugs (so-called CYP3A4 inhibitors) such as:
- itraconazole (antifungal medicine)
- ketaconazole (antifungal medicine)
- ritonavir (medicine for the treatment of HIV infections)
- telithromycin (antibiotic)
- clarithromycin (antibiotic)
nefazodone (anti-depressor)
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken the above mentioned medicines or any other medicines, including those obtained without a prescription such as St. John’s wort, rifampicin (antibiotic), medicines for weight loss, medicines to improve blood lipids (fats), antidiabetes medicines and medicines to treat epilepsy (e.g. phenytoin, Phenobarbital, carbamazeptine) or depression.
Driving and using machines while taking Acomplia
At the recommended dose, Acomplia is not expected to reduce your ability to drive and use machines.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding while taking Acomplia
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. Do not take this medicine when breast-feeing. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding or if you are planning to breast-feed your baby.
Important Information about some of the ingredients of Acomplia
Acomplia tablets include lactose. If you are intolerant to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine.
Acomplia Side Effects
Acomplia, like most prescription diet pills, may cause some side effects. Dizziness, nausea, irritability, depression and restlessness are some of the adverse side effects of Acomplia which occur in the initial phase, but gradually disappear with the regular use of Acomplia. Acomplia\'s positive effects on weight loss, smoking cessation, and its aptitude to maintain a healthy cholesterol level, blood sugar and blood pressure are highly beneficial for the consumers.
Though Acomplia is one of the most promising weight loss drugs, it should still not be taken without the consultation of a doctor. No one can better advise you on Acomplia than your physician. He may not allow you to take Acomplia if you have had some serious health problems in the past. The role and the usefulness of Rimonabant for the community of smokers cannot be denied. Acomplia\'s trial has confirmed that it is an effective way to relinquish smoking.
