Published 29 October 2008, doi:10.1136/bmj.a2301
Cite this as: BMJ 2008;337:a2301

News

European drugs agency withdraws antiobesity drug

Anna Sayburn

1 London

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

The antiobesity drug rimonabant (sold under the brand name Acomplia) has had its marketing authorisation suspended across Europe. The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) says that the benefits no longer outweigh the risks of psychiatric disorders, particularly depression.

Doctors have been advised not to issue new prescriptions for rimonabant and to review the treatment of any patients taking it. Patients taking rimonabant should see their doctor or pharmacist to discuss their treatment. There is no need for them to stop taking rimonabant immediately, the agency advises, but they can if they wish.

Warnings about psychiatric side effects, in particular depression, have been included in rimonabant’s product information ever since it was first approved in Europe in June 2006. In June 2007 use of the drug was contraindicated in anyone with major depressive disorders or who was taking antidepressant drugs. In March this year the product information was updated again, to advise . . . [Full text of this article]


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