Acomplia (rimonabant) is the first medication in a class known as endocannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonists to be approved in the UK. This makes Acomplia a revolutionary way of tackling obesity and it has been prescribed to over 100,000 people in Europe since its launch in June 2006.

Acomplia is a prescription medication so you must complete an online consultation form before you can purchase this medication. Consultations are free and you are under no obligation to make a purchase.

Little is known about the endocannabinoid system as it has only recently been discovered and explored but it is believed to regulate energy consumption and expenditure. The endocannabinoid system comprises (amongst other components) cannabinoids (chemical signals) and CB receptors. The CB1 receptors are located in the brain, certain organs and peripheral tissues such as fat cells. Cannabinoids, naturally occurring chemicals produced by the body, attach themselves to CB1 receptors, at which point a signal is transmitted, indicating to the brain that we should eat something. Studies have demonstrated that the endocannabinoid system tends to be more active in overweight people. In simplistic terms, Acomplia (Rimonabant) prevents the CB1 receptors from working in an overactive way, thereby helping to regulate and normalise the operation of the endocannabinoid system, which should, in turn, allow overweight people to lose weight.

Acomplia (Rimonabant) was tested on 6800 volunteers during the phase 2 and phase 3 clinical trials. The phase 3 trial lasted for two years and was compared with a placebo control group. Both groups were asked to increase their level of physical activity. It was demonstrated that those taking Acomplia lost on average 4 times more weight than those taking the placebo. Most of the weight loss occurred in the first 9 months of treatment but the weight loss was maintained until the end of the two year trial. Acomplia does not work for everyone but just over 50% managed a weight loss of 5% and approximately 27% managed a weight loss of 10% or more of their overall body weight.

The study comprising the phase 3 clinical trial demonstrated that waist circumference was reduced. An expansive waist circumference is thought to be a marker for the visceral fat which has been linked to diabetes and heart disease. It was also demonstrated that patient cholesterol levels were improved beyond that which would normally be expected from weight loss alone after being treated with Acomplia. There is also evidence to suggest that Acomplia (Rimonabant) might be effective in helping people who want to give up smoking although it has not been approved for this purpose. If you are looking for help in giving up smoking, we will happily provide you with a free consultation for a smoking cessation aid. We are only prepared to prescribe Champix as a smoking cessation aid as we believe that this is the safest and most effective treatment currently available.