About RIMONABANT
RIMONABANT belongs to the class of medication called anti-obesity drugs used to treat obesity and help lose weight. RIMONABANT is recommended for obese patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 or ≥ 27 kg/m2 in the presence of other risk factors such as type 2 diabetes or dyslipidaemia. RIMONABANT should be used along with a low-calorie diet and regular physical exercise. Obesity is a medical condition caused by excess body fat, making people overweight and predisposing them to many diseases and disorders. Intake of more calories than you burn by exercise or daily activities results in obesity.
RIMONABANT contains Rimonabant, which causes weight loss by suppressing the appetite by blocking cannabinoid (CB) receptors in the hypothalamus. Thereby, it helps to reduce body weight.
Take RIMONABANT as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take RIMONABANT for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your condition. Some people may experience psychiatric disorders (depression), insomnia (sleep disorder), nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and fatigue (extreme tiredness). If any of these side effects persist, please consult your doctor.
Avoid using RIMONABANT if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. While taking RIMONABANT, sexually active women should utilize adequate contraception. Patients should be advised to notify their doctor promptly if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking RIMONABANT. Rimonabant or its metabolites may be excreted in human milk; however, this is unsure. As a result, using RIMONABANT while breastfeeding is not advised. Following the start of treatment, patients should be regularly examined for signs and symptoms of psychiatric illnesses, notably depression. If depression develops during Rimonabant therapy, the medication must be discontinued. The patient should be closely monitored and treated as needed. The efficacy of Rimonabant in adolescents who are obese has not been adequately studied. Alcohol consumption is strictly avoided while on RIMONABANT therapy.
Uses of RIMONABANT
Obesity and overweight
Medicinal Benefits
RIMONABANT contains Rimonabant, an anti-obesity drug indicated for managing obesity, including weight loss and maintenance of weight loss, and should be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet. RIMONABANT is recommended for obese patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 or ≥ 27 kg/m2 in the presence of other risk factors such as type 2 diabetes or dyslipidaemia. Rimonabant causes weight loss by suppressing the appetite by blocking cannabinoid (CB) receptors in the hypothalamus. RIMONABANT should be used along with a low-calorie diet and regular physical exercise. Thus, RIMONABANT promotes weight loss and lowers the possibility of developing major health issues.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of RIMONABANT
- Psychiatric disorders (depression)
- Insomnia (sleep disorder)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
RIMONABANT is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to Rimonabant or any of the inactive ingredients in it. The use of RIMONABANT during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended. It is recommended not to be used in patients with a major eating disorder (anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa) or psychiatric disorders. Patients should be actively monitored for signs and symptoms of psychiatric disorders, particularly depression. Before taking RIMONABANT, inform your doctor about your medical history and any other medications you currently take to rule out any potential side effects or interactions.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: No significant interactions were found or established.
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid high-fat meals and alcoholic beverages.
Drug-Disease Interactions: RIMONABANT may interact with disease conditions, including anorexia nervosa (An eating disorder) and psychiatric disorders such as depression.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionDo not consume alcohol while on treatment with RIMONABANT.
Pregnancy
cautionNo adequate and well-controlled studies with RIMONABANT have been conducted on pregnant women. So, the use of RIMONABANT during pregnancy is not recommended.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown whether this medicine is excreted in human milk. Therefore, RIMONABANT is not recommended for use in nursing mothers.
Driving
cautionRIMONABANT may cause fatigue (extreme tiredness); therefore, avoid driving vehicles or operating machinery until you return to normal.
Liver
cautionLimited information was available about using RIMONABANT in patients with liver disease. Inform your doctor before receiving the RIMONABANT if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionLimited information was available about using RIMONABANT in patients with kidney disease. Inform your doctor before receiving the RIMONABANT if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
unsafeIt is not recommended to use RIMONABANT in children under the age of 18 as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a low-fat diet. Prefer skim milk and fat-free or low-fat dairy products.
- Avoid red meat and include lean meat such as salmon and chicken.
- Eat a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains.
- Avoid fried foods, fast food, instant food, pasta, burgers, noodles and cookies.
- Limit your sugar intake, as excess sugar is stored as fat in the body.
- Do not skip meals to reduce weight; instead, take balanced meals.
- Do regular exercise such as swimming, cycling, walking or dancing for a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes daily.
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco consumption.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Obesity: Obesity is a common condition associated with excessive body fat, which in turn increases the risk of other health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, certain cancers and heart disease. Intake of more calories than you burn by exercise or daily activities results in obesity. Some common causes of obesity include insufficient sleep, growing older, pregnancy, genetics, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) or polycystic ovary syndrome (imbalance of female reproductive hormones). Proper diet and exercise are advised, along with medication to treat obesity.
