Rimonabant Review

What You Should Know

Rimonabant is the generic name for Acomplia, which is an appetite suppressant and smoking cessation product manufactured by the French pharmaceutical company Sanofi-Aventis. Rimonabant is a cannabinoid (CB1) receptor antagonist, which means it blocks CB1 receptors in the brain and peripheral organs, which is said to suppress appetite and possibly reduce tobacco dependence. Rimonabant is not approved by the FDA for use as either an appetite suppressant or smoking cessation product, but it was available online and in various European countries as an appetite suppressant only. In October 2008 Rimonabant was suspended in Europe after recommendations from the European Medicines Agency.

Ingredients

Rimonabant, croscarmellose sodium (E468), sodium laurilsulfate (E487), microcrystalline cellulose (E460) and magnesium stearate.

Product Features

Rimonabant is said to have reduced the overall body fat by 10% in one out of three users. Also, it is reported that those users did not gain back more than a kilo over the next two years if the patients remained on Rimonabant. Rimonabant was recommended for those with a BMI of 30 or greater, who were considered obese, and is most successful when combined with exercise and a proper diet. It was not recommended for those who just wanted to lose a few pounds. Sanofi-Aventis is conducting studies to determine if Rimonabant is valuable in smoking cessation therapy, and initial results are positive. There are indications that Rimonabant may reduce cocaine, ethanol and opiate seeking behavior.

Advantages

• Rimonabant is proven to help patients lose weight, and also helps with obesity related conditions such as heart disorders or diabetes type 2.
• Rimonabant has also been known to aid in the quitting of smoking.

Disadvantages

• Rimonabant has serious side effects including severe depression possibly leading to suicide, and the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
• Because Rimonabant has been taken off the market in Europe and is not approved by the FDA in the U.S.
• It is increasingly difficult to find and purchase.

Conclusion

Rimonabant is a non-FDA approved appetite suppressant. It is known to be a very successful weight loss aid, and may also aid in smoking cessation. There are significant side effects, especially for those with a history of depression or mental illness. One must weigh the supposed results with the risks involved very carefully when considering this product. Because of the serious side effects, Rimonabant was taken off the market in Europe in October, 2008. There are many brand names for Rimonabant including SR141716, Acomplia, Bethin, Monaslim, Remonabent, Riobant, Slimona, Rimoslim, and Zimulti. Rimonabant is only available from online pharmacies and other sources online, and is usually expensive.