Only four months ago the Weight Loss Pill, Acomplia, was given the go ahead for use in the NHS by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.  The tablet was to be used as a ‘last chance’ treatment for overweight patients that also suffered from Cholesterol problems and Type 2 Diabetes. However, the European Medicines Agency has now suspended Acomplia’s licence stating ‘the benefits no longer out weigh the risks’. 

Acomplia interferes with the system in the body that controls energy levels, reduces food cravings, and helps fat from being deposited.  It has been used by 100,000 Britons in the past two years, and at present it is believed that approximately 20,000 are still actively using the drug.

However, according to a statement published today, the decision to pull the drug from use has been made due to it’s adverse reactions, which include:

• 7 Deaths, including a suicide, having been associated with the drug.
• Doubles the risk of Psychiatric Disorders
• 2500 reported adverse reactions
• 1 in 10 users experienced side effects including; depression, low mood, irritability, anxiety, nervousness and sleep disorders.
• In a review of 4000 patients it was found that users were 3 times more likely to stop treatment because of anxiety than those on a placebo, and 2½ more times likely to stop using the drug due to depression.
• The Lancet Medical Journal found that there is a ’40% higher chance of being harmed by adverse events or serious adverse events’

The USA would not approve the drug due to ‘mounting scientific evidence of suicide dangers’

The NHS has asked that anybody taking this medication should see their General Practitioner immediately to discuss other options.