A study that reviewed the results of 30 placebo-controlled trials involving participants with mean BMI 35-36 and took anti-obesity drugs for at least 12 months, found that 3 commonly prescribed drugs - orlistat, sibutramine and rimonabant only achieve modest results in terms of weight loss - under 5% of total body weight.
The researchers said the three drugs had various health benefits but all had adverse effects, in rimonabant is associated with an increase in depression and anxiety.
A separate study in The Lancet found patients who took rimonabant were at increased risk of severe psychiatric events.
Sanofi-Aventis, the French drug maker, has issued press release in response to the BMJ & The Lancet article.
Source : "Long term pharmacotherapy for obesity and overweight: updated meta-analysis" BMJ, doi:10.1136/bmj.39385.413113.25 (published 15 November 2007)
Showing posts with label Rimonabant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rimonabant. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Obesity drug Rimonabant questioned
Rimonabant (Acomplia) by Sanofi-Aventis, was licensed for use in the UK since June 2006 for the treatment of obesity.
However, adverts have claimed the drug can cut levels of potentially harmful cholesterol, fats and sugars in the blood to a greater extent than would be expected by weight loss alone. In theory, this should help to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
A report published in The Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB) on 30 May 2007 said there was no proof that the drug had any beneficial effects outside those expected by weight loss. The drug had not been effectively compared with other less expensive drug treatment for obesity.
The DTB authors said Orlistat (Xenical), costs less and approved for use in the NHS is the drug for obesity with the most evidence for efficacy and safety to date, and they have previously concluded that it is a reasonable option for obese patients where diet and exercise and/or behavioural measures alone have failed.
However, adverts have claimed the drug can cut levels of potentially harmful cholesterol, fats and sugars in the blood to a greater extent than would be expected by weight loss alone. In theory, this should help to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
A report published in The Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB) on 30 May 2007 said there was no proof that the drug had any beneficial effects outside those expected by weight loss. The drug had not been effectively compared with other less expensive drug treatment for obesity.
The DTB authors said Orlistat (Xenical), costs less and approved for use in the NHS is the drug for obesity with the most evidence for efficacy and safety to date, and they have previously concluded that it is a reasonable option for obese patients where diet and exercise and/or behavioural measures alone have failed.
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