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Archive for December, 2011

21st June 2011. For most people, the day was just like any other day, holding not much importance. But for obese people in the UK, the day will be ever remembered. For on this day, Acomplia, the wonder drug for obesity was released for sale on prescription. Research on acomplia as a diet pill was going on for years. And all eyes were on when the wonder drug will be released.

After Fen-phen, Acomplia diet pill was the most anticipated drug and many overweight people had their trust clung on this drug to give them freedom from excessive fat. Therefore, news of approval of acomplia came like rain during a dry spell. It raised the hope that finally they can get rid of fat, which not only gave one a clumsy look but also made them susceptible to many diseases of the heart.

Acomplia is the brand name of Rimonabant. French pharmaceutical company Sanofi-Synthelabo, could easily sense the huge market for any such drug. In the UK, 46% of men and 32% of women have been reported overweight, i.e. who have a body mass index of 25-30 kg/m2. Moreover, 17% of men and 21% of women have been reported obese, i.e. with a body mass index of more than 30 kg/m2. US and Europe together account for 100 million overweight people. This makes the market for Acomplia diet pill a huge one. All agencies, which were authorized to sell acomplia on prescription, informed being flooded with orders just as news of approval in the UK spread.

It is said that hitting at the roots of a problem is the best way to fight the problem. Acomplia diet pill operates in a similar manner. It targets certain receptors in our brain, which offers a pleasure sensation on eating. These are cannabinoid receptors. It is these receptors that are tickled when one consumes marijuana. This is why we feel hungry after smoking a joint of marijuana. Blocking cannabinoid receptors helps dampening appetite. Therefore, weight loss is realized.

Weight loss with acomplia diet pill is remarkable. In a placebo controlled study undertaken on 6800 patients with acomplia (with diet and physical exercise included), the average reduction in weight was as much as 6.5 kgs, as compared to 1.6 kgs through a placebo; i.e. approximately four times as much as placebo.

Rimonabant is still awaiting clearance by FDA in the US. Sanofi plans to launch Rimonabant under the new name ‘Zimulti’ here. Until such time that the Americans hear about FDA approval, they will have to continue with the fate. And if they are die-hard fans of this drug then they will not mind visiting a doctor in the UK and purchasing acomplia from a local pharmacy here. The pain will certainly be insignificant before the pain of being obese.

Who would have thought that something that is supposedly poisonous could have so many people clamoring for it?

Skepticism proven wrong

When botox hit the market, many were skeptical on the effects of these newly developed chemical. A protein complex made from a bacterium called clostridium botulinum, many feared that the chemical will have the same effect on the skin as it has on the body. For those who do not yet know, botox come from the same toxin that can cause food poisoning in humans.

It turned out to be quite effective and a huge huge success especially in the cosmetic surgery business. It is also being used to relieve pain in muscle areas of people who have has chronic pains. Its is actually so effective that people who were normally confined to their homes because of the pain now live normal lives.

Popular alternative

Since botox inhibits the release of acetylcholine, a chemical responsible for the contraction of muscles in various parts of the body, it is primarily used to clear out wrinkles and frown lines in the face through injection in the areas of concern. The effect of the drug can last for several months. Only small amounts of the toxin are however used for these cosmetic procedures. Too much use of the toxin can produce disastrous side effects.

In 2001 alone, almost 1.6 million Americans have had botox injections in different areas of their bodies. This is a significant increase from 2000’s figures. In fact, botox injections are even more popular than the immensely popular breast enhancement and breast augmentation procedures.

Botox parties

The procedure has become so popular in fact that people even organize parties and social events just for the occasion of injecting botox. This is actually part of the marketing campaign that has gained botox injections so many followers. Women (and men) who regularly inject botox for maintenance get together in small gatherings and simultaneously inject botox. Outsiders especially those who have not yet tried the drugs but are interested can join the party.

Abuse and overuse

One of the growing concerns in the industry is the potential abuse of the drug. Although botox is basically a prescription drugs, there are unqualified people who are distributing the medicine. And because the drug must be injected again and again to maintain its effect, there is also the danger of the drug being overused or for people to over-apply thinking that it will lengthen the effect of the drug.

Injecting too much botox or accidentally injecting it on the wrong area can cause droopy eyelid muscles, a condition called ptosis. This could last for several weeks. Other side effects that botox have are headaches, respiratory infections, flu-like symptoms and even nausea. Some people will also experience pain on the area where the botox was applied as well as redness and swelling. There will also some muscle weakness around the area where the botox was applied.

Contraindications

Although botox is available to all people, there are some who are allergic to the toxin. So it is best that one consults a physician first before applying the drug. Although there has never been any studies or research on the effect of botox on pregnant women and on nursing women, medical people err on the safe side and just prohibit the drug.

“How can Acomplia be the deciding factor in reducing obesity?” one may ask. By itself it cannot reduce or burn fats but it helps someone in reducing his or her food intake. It acts as an appetite suppressant. And as the appetite gets suppressed the food intake too lessens. But if it is taken in conjunction to physical exercises and a controlled diet program it can show a magnificent result in obesity reduction. Thus, infusion of Acomplia (Rimonabant) can be the deciding factor in reducing your obesity.

It is marketed by Sanofi-Aventis as Acomplia in UK and EU. And it is rumoured that if Acomplia (Rimonabant) gets FDA approval for sale in the USA it would be marketed as Zimulti. It is a weight loss drug discovered and developed by Sanofi-Aventis. It is a new class of CB1 blockers. It should be prescribed for persons who are with BMI of 30kg/m2 or more or overweight persons with 27kg/m2 with risk factors like dyslipidaemia or type 2 diabetes. As per their claim if Acomplia 20mg tablet is taken weight, waistline and triglycerides gets reduced plus it increases HDL- cholesterol levels.

It has mild and short term side effects like mood alteration with depressive disorders, dizziness, anxiety, nausea etc. Acomplia Diet Pills should not be initiated in obese individuals with renal or hepatic impairment or patients with psychiatric illness. One should consult a doctor before taking this drug as it is a prescription drug. Also remember that the individual results may vary.

If all the claims made by Sanofi-Aventis are true then it is a pill worth giving a look in your search for the ultimate weight loss pill. But as with any other diet pill it too requires controlled diet program and exercises. And when both of these act simultaneously with Acomplia (Rimonabant) it can work wonders for individuals with excess weight.