ACOMPLIA 20mg Tablets/Film-coated

What is ACOMPLIA 20mg

ACOMPLIA 20mg is a prescription medication available as film-coated tablets, each containing 20 mg of the active ingredient Rimonabant. It was primarily developed and prescribed as an anti-obesity agent to help patients manage weight in conjunction with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. The medication was also considered useful for improving metabolic risk factors associated with obesity, including dyslipidemia and insulin resistance.

• Therapeutic Class: Cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) antagonist.
• Indications: Management of obesity in adults with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m², or ≥27 kg/m² with associated risk factors like type 2 diabetes or dyslipidemia.
• Goal: To promote weight loss and improve cardiometabolic health through appetite suppression and metabolic effects.
• Note: Due to concerns about psychiatric side effects, including depression and anxiety, Rimonabant has been withdrawn from many markets but may still be prescribed in limited settings or under strict monitoring.

How to use ACOMPLIA 20mg

Using ACOMPLIA 20mg safely and effectively requires adherence to specific guidelines:

• Dosage: The recommended dose is one 20 mg tablet taken orally once daily, preferably in the morning.
• Administration: Swallow the tablet whole with water; it can be taken with or without food.
• Treatment Duration: Typically prescribed for up to 12 months; therapy beyond this period should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
• Lifestyle Integration: Use in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for optimal results.
• Missed Dose: Take as soon as remembered unless close to the next scheduled dose; do not double doses.
• Monitoring: Regular follow-up appointments to assess efficacy, side effects, and mental health status.
• Precautions: Inform your doctor if you experience mood changes, depression, or suicidal thoughts.

Mode of Action ACOMPLIA 20mg

Rimonabant, the active ingredient in ACOMPLIA 20mg, functions through a unique mechanism:

• CB1 Receptor Antagonism: It selectively blocks cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) located in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues.
• Appetite Suppression: CB1 receptor blockade decreases the signaling that promotes hunger and food intake, thereby reducing appetite and caloric consumption.
• Metabolic Effects: Modulates lipid and glucose metabolism, improving insulin sensitivity and promoting fat mobilization.
• Energy Balance: Influences energy homeostasis by affecting neurotransmitters and hormones involved in reward and feeding behavior.
• Cardiovascular Impact: Potentially beneficial effects on blood lipid profiles and inflammatory markers.

This combined central and peripheral action contributes to weight loss and improved metabolic parameters in obese patients.

ACOMPLIA 20mg Interactions ACOMPLIA 20mg

ACOMPLIA (Rimonabant) may interact with several medications, necessitating caution:

• Antidepressants and Psychotropics: Concurrent use may increase risk of psychiatric side effects such as depression and anxiety.
• Warfarin and Anticoagulants: Possible alteration of blood clotting; monitor INR levels closely.
• Statins: Co-administration may affect lipid metabolism; monitor lipid profiles.
• CYP3A4 Substrates: Rimonabant is metabolized via CYP3A4; drugs that inhibit or induce this enzyme (e.g., ketoconazole, rifampicin) can alter Rimonabant plasma levels.
• Alcohol: May enhance central nervous system side effects; avoid or limit consumption.
• Oral Contraceptives: No significant interaction reported, but always monitor for hormonal changes.

Inform your healthcare provider of all medications, supplements, and herbal products you use before starting ACOMPLIA.

Dosage of ACOMPLIA 20mg

The dosage for ACOMPLIA 20mg is straightforward but requires medical supervision:

• Standard Dose: 20 mg tablet taken once daily.
• Duration: Usually prescribed for up to 12 months; treatment beyond this is generally not recommended without reassessment.
• Adjustment: Dosage adjustments are not common, but therapy may be discontinued based on response or side effects.
• Special Populations: Not recommended for use in children, elderly patients with caution, or patients with severe hepatic or renal impairment.

Adherence to the prescribed dosage and medical follow-up is essential for safe use.

Possible side effects of ACOMPLIA 20mg

ACOMPLIA is associated with several side effects, some of which can be serious:

• Common Side Effects: Nausea, diarrhea, upper respiratory infections, dizziness, headache, and dry mouth.
• Psychiatric Effects: Depression, anxiety, irritability, mood changes, and in rare cases, suicidal ideation or behavior.
• Neurological: Insomnia, fatigue, and somnolence.
• Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation.
• Cardiovascular: Possible increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
• Serious Reactions: Suicidal thoughts, severe depression, hypersensitivity reactions.

Because of the psychiatric risks, patients must be closely monitored, and therapy discontinued immediately if severe mood changes occur.

ACOMPLIA 20mg Contraindications ACOMPLIA 20mg

Use of ACOMPLIA 20mg is contraindicated in several situations:

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Not recommended due to unknown effects and potential risks.
• History of Psychiatric Disorders: Including depression, anxiety, suicidal tendencies, or psychosis.
• Severe Hepatic Impairment: Due to metabolism and potential toxicity risks.
• Concomitant Use with Other CB1 Antagonists or Cannabinoids: Avoid to prevent additive effects.
• Hypersensitivity: Known allergy to Rimonabant or excipients in the formulation.

Storage of ACOMPLIA 20mg

Proper storage maintains the drug’s potency and safety:

• Temperature: Store at room temperature, preferably between 20°C and 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
• Humidity: Keep in a dry place, protected from moisture.
• Light: Store in original blister packaging to protect from light exposure.
• Safety: Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Expiry: Do not use past the expiration date indicated on the packaging.

Follow local regulations for the disposal of unused or expired medication.