Menu
25/06/2008
Controversial Weight Loss Drug Available For NHS Use
Despite fears of an increased risk of depression and possible suicide as a 'side-effect', a controversial anti-obesity drug has been made available for NHS use.
Although not licensed in the US - or in Scotland - Rimonabant, sold as Acomplia, is already in wide use in other parts of the UK and it is claimed that coupled with exercise, it could help patients lose up to 10% of their body weight.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published final guidance on the use of rimonabant for the treatment of the overweight and obese patients.
Among the guidance recommended is that rimonabant treatment should be continued beyond six months only if the individual has lost at least 5% of their initial body weight since starting the treatment.
Also, it is recommended that rimonabant treatment should not be continued for longer than two years without a formal clinical assessment and discussion of the individual risks and benefits with the person receiving treatment.
Andrew Dillon, NICE Chief Executive said: "The independent advisory committee recommended rimonabant, along with diet and exercise, as a treatment option for adults who are obese or overweight. This good news for patients from whom orlistat and sibutramine are not effective.
"Being overweight or obese can lead to a range of serious health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis and some cancers. These recommendations should be used in conjunction with the NICE guideline 'Obesity: the prevention, identification, assessment, and management of overweight and obesity in adults and children' published in December 2006."
Last year, the European Medicines Agency warned that rimonabant "may be unsafe" for patients also taking anti-depressants.
Doctors have been told not to give it to patients with a history of severe depression and to be alert to new symptoms of depression in patients taking the drug.
Evidence suggests that one in 10 might develop mental side-effects including low mood and depression as well as anxiety and sleep disorders.
However, it can also lead to weight loss and improve general health.
Dr David Haslam, the Clinical Director of the National Obesity Forum says that he "welcomes" its approval for NHS use.
Dr Haslam said it "is a very good drug" and there are "very many people" who might benefit from it.
However, Professor Alan Maryon-Davis, President of the UK Faculty for Public Health said that "whilst these drugs may be right for some patients", they are "not the long-term solution" and "may have potentially serious side-effects".
Rimonabant was first made available in the UK in 2006. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency has received 720 reports of adverse drug reactions covering 2,123 individual reactions.
Scotland and the US have yet to approve the drug.
It is reported that rimonabant is the first selective CB1 receptor blocker to be approved for use anywhere in the world. AS of 2008, the drug is available in 56 countries.
People in the UK, Germany and France are the highest users of the drug worldwide.
(DS)
Although not licensed in the US - or in Scotland - Rimonabant, sold as Acomplia, is already in wide use in other parts of the UK and it is claimed that coupled with exercise, it could help patients lose up to 10% of their body weight.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published final guidance on the use of rimonabant for the treatment of the overweight and obese patients.
Among the guidance recommended is that rimonabant treatment should be continued beyond six months only if the individual has lost at least 5% of their initial body weight since starting the treatment.
Also, it is recommended that rimonabant treatment should not be continued for longer than two years without a formal clinical assessment and discussion of the individual risks and benefits with the person receiving treatment.
Andrew Dillon, NICE Chief Executive said: "The independent advisory committee recommended rimonabant, along with diet and exercise, as a treatment option for adults who are obese or overweight. This good news for patients from whom orlistat and sibutramine are not effective.
"Being overweight or obese can lead to a range of serious health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis and some cancers. These recommendations should be used in conjunction with the NICE guideline 'Obesity: the prevention, identification, assessment, and management of overweight and obesity in adults and children' published in December 2006."
Last year, the European Medicines Agency warned that rimonabant "may be unsafe" for patients also taking anti-depressants.
Doctors have been told not to give it to patients with a history of severe depression and to be alert to new symptoms of depression in patients taking the drug.
Evidence suggests that one in 10 might develop mental side-effects including low mood and depression as well as anxiety and sleep disorders.
However, it can also lead to weight loss and improve general health.
Dr David Haslam, the Clinical Director of the National Obesity Forum says that he "welcomes" its approval for NHS use.
Dr Haslam said it "is a very good drug" and there are "very many people" who might benefit from it.
However, Professor Alan Maryon-Davis, President of the UK Faculty for Public Health said that "whilst these drugs may be right for some patients", they are "not the long-term solution" and "may have potentially serious side-effects".
Rimonabant was first made available in the UK in 2006. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency has received 720 reports of adverse drug reactions covering 2,123 individual reactions.
Scotland and the US have yet to approve the drug.
It is reported that rimonabant is the first selective CB1 receptor blocker to be approved for use anywhere in the world. AS of 2008, the drug is available in 56 countries.
People in the UK, Germany and France are the highest users of the drug worldwide.
(DS)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 June 2006
Government announces funding for drug treatment services
Drug treatment services across the country will receive an extra £95.2 million this year, under new plans announced by the government. The Department of Health, supported by £22 million of funding from the Home Office, will provide Drug Action Teams with £394.6 million - an increase of over 30% from last year.
Government announces funding for drug treatment services
Drug treatment services across the country will receive an extra £95.2 million this year, under new plans announced by the government. The Department of Health, supported by £22 million of funding from the Home Office, will provide Drug Action Teams with £394.6 million - an increase of over 30% from last year.
09 July 2003
Rise in crack users sent for treatment
More crack users are being targeted in custody and referred to drug treatment services, a new report published by the Home Office claims. The 'Arrest Referral' report shows that between October 2001 and September 2002, 12,014 crack users were interviewed, and of those 8,656 were referred to specialist drug treatment services - 18.
Rise in crack users sent for treatment
More crack users are being targeted in custody and referred to drug treatment services, a new report published by the Home Office claims. The 'Arrest Referral' report shows that between October 2001 and September 2002, 12,014 crack users were interviewed, and of those 8,656 were referred to specialist drug treatment services - 18.
22 September 2008
Scottish Government Pledges Cap On Surgery Waiting Times
Scottish patients may soon have a legal guarantee that they will wait no longer than 12 weeks for surgery. The Scottish Government's Patient Rights Bill proposes a strict limit on how long they have to wait from their surgical referral to receiving their operation.
Scottish Government Pledges Cap On Surgery Waiting Times
Scottish patients may soon have a legal guarantee that they will wait no longer than 12 weeks for surgery. The Scottish Government's Patient Rights Bill proposes a strict limit on how long they have to wait from their surgical referral to receiving their operation.
25 September 2015
Further Six Arrested In No Deal Operation In Birmingham
A further six people have been arrested as part of an ongoing operation targeting suspected drug dealers in Birmingham. Police carried out a series of dawn raids on Thursday 24 September, arresting a 17-year-old man, two 19-year-olds and three men aged 21, 26 and 47.
Further Six Arrested In No Deal Operation In Birmingham
A further six people have been arrested as part of an ongoing operation targeting suspected drug dealers in Birmingham. Police carried out a series of dawn raids on Thursday 24 September, arresting a 17-year-old man, two 19-year-olds and three men aged 21, 26 and 47.
17 October 2003
54 arrested in swoop on suspected drug dealers
Sellers of the Big Issue were among 54 people arrested by Merseyside Police today in a crackdown on drug dealing in Liverpool city centre. Operation Manton targeted suspected drug dealers and drug users and 50 men and four women were arrested following a 15-month long investigation by Merseyside Police into drug dealing on the city's streets.
54 arrested in swoop on suspected drug dealers
Sellers of the Big Issue were among 54 people arrested by Merseyside Police today in a crackdown on drug dealing in Liverpool city centre. Operation Manton targeted suspected drug dealers and drug users and 50 men and four women were arrested following a 15-month long investigation by Merseyside Police into drug dealing on the city's streets.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
