Acomplia, an appetite suppressant diet pill and smoking cessation drug is a brand drug manufactured and marketed by the French pharmaceutical company Sanofi-Aventis. Rising fast on the popularity charts as the magic drug that promotes weight loss and antismoking at the same time, Acomplia is pending FDA approval though it has been marketed successfully in the European Union, Denmark, Finland, Germany and U.K.
Acomplia diet pill functions with the presence of its active ingredient Rimonabant. Being the first in a new class of therapeutic agents called Cannabinoid-1 Receptor Blockers (CB1), it works by blocking CB1 receptor of the brain commonly called the ‘pleasure centre’ of the brain and interfering with the cycle of craving thus making hunger or smoking pangs more manageable. These receptors are present not only in the hypothalamus region of the brain, but also throughout the body, notably in fat cells; work by reducing dependence on tobacco, suppressing appetite and restoring the balance in the system.
Drug class – Oral appetite suppressant/smoking cessation 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.
- Acomplia is used in conjunction to diet and exercise to treat obesity and those who suffer from Type 2 diabetes and abnormal levels of fat in the blood.
- Acomplia should be taken before breakfast with a glass of water.
- Use Acomplia as prescribed by the doctor and only for the recommended period of time.
Side Effects
The initial adjustment: As your body adjusts to the
medication, you may experience some of the reported side effects
like anxiety, disorientation, insomnia, nausea, headache,
hallucinations, hypertension, heart and kidney damage, palpitations,
heart attack, strokes, psychosis, fatigue and hyperphagia
(excessive eating beyond normal feeling of hunger), gastrointestinal
discomfort and dizziness.
What to avoid: Acomplia 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 effects persist or you experience mood disorders related to depression and psychosis while taking Acomplia.
Drug interaction
- Consult your doctor and inform about all the prescription and nonprescription drugs you use.
- Since Acomplia diet pills contain lactose, patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose mal-absorption, should not take this drug.
- Acomplia should not be prescribed for patients with uncontrolled serious psychiatric illness such as a major depression.
Precautions
- It is advisable to consult a doctor before taking Acomplia and adhere to the prescribed dosage to attain the expected results.
- Acomplia should not be taken by pregnant woman since it may cause birth defects in an unborn baby.
- Acomplia should not also be used by lactating mothers. Though not clinically proved, there is possibility that this diet pill may be passed into breast milk.
- Acomplia is metabolized by the liver, so it’s recommended that patients with moderate hepatic impairment should consult their healthcare provider before using the drug.
Dosage
- The usual recommended dose of Acomplia by doctors is 20mg daily before breakfast.
- Acomplia should be swallowed whole with a glass of water, and should not be chewed or crushed as it might contemplate side effects.
- The dosage for the drug varies from person to person depending upon the body metabolism.
Overdose: In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Never take a double dose of this medication.
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.
Storage
Acomplia diet pills
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 supplement and not substitute for, the expertise and judgment 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.
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