Alli, first FDA-approved over-the-counter weight loss product, is now available in local stores.

The first FDA-approved over-the-counter weight loss product is now available in area stores, but some of the objectionable side effects have caused people to pause.

Alli , pronounced like "ally," is a lower dose of orlistat, the same ingredient in prescription drug Xenical.

Alli's makers, pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline, recommend a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet while taking Alli. If not, side effects include gas, diarrhea and other digestive symptoms.

"(Alli's) function is to decrease absorption of fat in the gastrointestinal system," said Dr. David Westbrock, an endocrinologist and director of New Profile Weight Management Center in Centerville.

Vitamin supplements are suggested while taking Alli, because as the drug decreases fat absorption, it also decreases vitamin absorption, Westbrock said.

Julie Burns of Xenia said she has tried other weight loss aids and would consider Alli.

"I just needed that extra boost," she said, outside of a Gold's Gym in Beavercreek.

Bob Castor of Beavercreek also was willing to give it a try: "I've taken a few fat burners before, but I haven't really seen the results like they say. But I'd probably give it a try."

Beavercreek resident Chad Beaver was not going near the product.

"I've looked at what's in a lot of (weight loss products)," he said. "They seem like a joke."

Westbrock said, like every other weight loss supplement, Alli is "not a magic pill."

Alli can be purchased in 60- and 80-pill starter kits, which include Alli, a pill case and weight loss guides with online support. Prices range by pill count and by store, and are around $50 to $70.

Source: http://www.daytondailynews.co...;

Diet drug Acomplia users in Germany got bad news on June 20th when a Berlin court upheld a German regulatory body's decision classifying rimonabant as a "lifestyle" drug not eligible for reimbursement by German state health insurers.

The court upheld a decision by Germany's Joint Federal Committee (G-BA) last October that Acomplia should be placed on the country's negative list which specifies those products which are not reimbursed.

A month's supply of Acomplia in Germany runs about 100 Euros (U.S. $130). Nine out of 10 Germans are charged only a co-pay for drugs covered by state insurance, and in the case of Acomplia, the co-pay would have been about $10.

Today's court decision rejecting an appeal by Sanofi-Aventis means patients in Germany will have to pay for the entire cost of Acomplia out of their own pocket.

Almost 50,000 Germans were prescribed Acomplia between June and November of last year, according to documents released last week in the U.S., making Germany the biggest market thus far for the medicine.

The decision was the second piece of bad news in a week for Sanofi-Aventis, which was rocked by an FDA advisory panel recommendation that rimonabant not be approved for sale in the United States because of safety concerns.

Acomplia is the first in a new class of drugs that works by blocking CB-1 receptors, and the drug has been linked to an increased incidence of depression and "suicidality."

The European Medicines Agency, which approved sale of Acomplia in the European Union more than a year ago, is reviewing the FDA committee's decision and new data that was presented at the U.S. meeting.

Source: http://www.acompliareport.com...;

In briefing documents released on the company's website, FDA reviewers noted that while Acomplia did appear effective in significantly lowering weight, users also had a higher incidence in certain suicidal behavior.

The documents were released ahead of an advisory panel meeting on the drug's market application, which is scheduled for Wednesday. While the agency is not bound to the recommendations of its advisory panels, it often follows them.

Acomplia , also known as rimonabant, was approved in Europe for weight loss in June 2006. However, the FDA has been leery of approving the drug over concerns that it can spark depression or suicidal thinking in some users. French drugmaker Sanofi (SNY) first submitted its application for U.S. approval in April 2005.

In February 2006, the FDA ruled it needed additional information on the drug's psychiatric side effects before it could consider approving it. Sanofi submitted the information in October 2006. A final decision on Acomplia is expected by the end of July.

Source: http://money.cnn.com/ ;

Sanofi-Aventis announced the launch of Acomplia (rimonabant), their new scientific drug for the treatment of abdominally obese patients with cardio metabolic risk cluster.

The drug has received approval from the European Medicines Evaluation Agency (EMEA) to be used in combination with diet and exercise for the treatment of abdominal obesity with cardio metabolic risk cluster, and is already sold in over 12 European countries , including Germany and the UK.

In the Middle East the prevalence of obesity increases from an average of 6% in healthy children to 20% in adolescent males and to a further 32% in elderly patients. Recent results from the IDEA (International Day for the Evaluation of Abdominal Obesity) survey, a 63 country study, including the UAE has shown that 37% of the UAE population is obese (using waist circumference measurement). Previously, most obesity experts considered that total body fat - as estimated by the body mass index (BMI) - was the main predicator of weight-related disease, now it is understood that location of body fat is equally if not more significant. To be specific, excessive body fat stored around the stomach and abdomen (abdominal obesity) is believed to be a better predictor of weight related diseases such as diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

According to Dr. Matthias Blüher, Professor of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, 'Obesity and diabetes have reached epidemic proportions worldwide. The UAE is now ranked second in the world for diabetes, which is largely caused by abdominal obesity. This new drug acomplia when used in conjunction with lifestyle modifications offers an important breakthrough in the fight against abdominal obesity and its associated risk factors such as type 2 diabetes.'

The new abdominal obesity drug can significantly improve blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes while also helping them reduce their weight. Acomplia works by selectively blocking receptors found in the brain and in peripheral organs important in glucose and lipid metabolism, including adipose tissue, the liver, gastrointestinal tract and muscle. The drug acts to decrease the over activity of the endocannabinoid system (EC system). The EC system is a recently characterized physiological system that includes receptors such as the CB¹ receptor, and it is believed to play an important role in regulating body weight and in controlling energy balance, as well as glucose and lipid metabolism.

According to Dr Wael ALMAHMEED, Vice President of Emirates Cardiac Society, 'Among people who are overweight or obese, it is those with excess fat around their abdomen who are at the greatest risk of developing an abnormal lipid profile, type 2 diabetes and ultimately heart disease. Rimonabant is an important advance in the treatment of cardio-metabolic risk factors which contribute to the global risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.'

The launch will also feature an evening symposium for UAE doctors on the risks of abdominal obesity. This is being run in conjunction with the 'Your Health Matters' awareness campaign which is being run in association with the World Health Organization, the Gulf Heart Association and the Emirates Cardiac Society.

Source: http://www.ameinfo.com/122377...;

Growing number of obese or an overweight individuals, has made weight loss a trend amongst all age groups. Lots of weight loss medication such as Xenical, Acomplia, Phentermine, Bontril, Didrex, Phendimetrazine, Reductil, Ionamin, Hoodia diet pill, Alli , are using at high rate to enhance the scope of your weight loss. France, Germany, Ireland, Austria, Argentina, and Denmark are some other countries where it has also been launched. Italy, Spain, and Mexico are some of the forthcoming countries which can bystander the instigate of this weight loss medication.

Acomplia is emerging as one of the most desirable weight loss medications, which is marking its mark with its high efficacy. Acomplia provides weight loss in an effectual way by reduces your appetite and enabling you to eat in small portions. Its efficacy for weight loss is proven by the long trail of success stories of its users. Acomplia is a product of two years of clinical studies, which works on the basis of an appetite suppressant. Acomplia may cause a few adverse effects as a consequence of bodily changes in to this medication. Yet, regardless of the adverse effects it sources such as anxiety and feeling of depression, Acomplia is still preferred by obese and overweight individuals to lose weight rather than any traditional weight loss program.

Weight Loss Drug is a dependable knowledge encouragement on diet pills. Acomplia is also popular as slimming pills among obese. Acomplia ‘slim pills’ are easily available in the market. You can even purchase them online and avail of special prices that the online pharmacies offer from time to time. Online consultation, cheaper prices, convenient payment means and home delivery make this type of shopping a great experience. Fact is that it will be subsequent benefits to your health whenever you lose just 10 percent of your initial body weight. However it is a big challenge to maintain these health and weight benefits. But you should be realistic when you set your weight loss goals.

Source: http://www.businessportal24.c...;