Sanofi-aventis’ Acomplia or Zimulti was reported to induce suicidal thoughts on those who take the weight loss pill. Although it’s already marketing in more than 37 countries, this has made many US health advisers to stop prescribing Acomplia. FDA required further safety info to be presented before this diet pill which is also known as rimonabant gets its okay.

The FDA panel said the incidence of suicidal thoughts, seizures and adverse psychiatric and neurological events were “consistently higher” in people taking the drug.

The drug works by blocking chemical processes in the brain, which results in reduced appetite and acts on the liver to help the body burn more fat. According to its manufacturer, Sanofi-aventis, the most common adverse effects associated with Acomplia include psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression.

The drug is being tested in several centres around the world, including Royal Perth Hospital, and the Therapeutic Goods Administration is due to consider approving it at its next meeting on June 26-28.

However, Gerald Watts, a medicine professor of Royal Perth Hospital (one of the Acomplia testing centers) mentioned that FDA’s safety concerns regarding Acomplia related to a marginal suicide and depression risk in people with previously identified risk factors for those conditions, who were excluded from the testing.

What else could be expected from weight loss drugs? Their effects are mainly on the brain so any slight risk may get aggravated. But as long as there are people who are willing to take these risks Acomplia, together with other diet pills having psychiatric effects will continue making money for their manufacturers.

via TheWest

 

Tags: acomplia, zimulti, suicidal, diet pill, side effects