Rimonabant (Accomplia®) withdrawal
admin October 24th, 2008
Rimonabant’s marketing licence has been suspended by the Eurpean Medicines Evaluation Agency because of an increased risk of psychiatric disorders, and concerns about its effectiveness:
Following the assessment of the available information on the benefits and risks of Acomplia including data from studies completed since it was granted marketing authorisation, the CHMP confirmed at its 20-23 October meeting, that there is an approximate doubling of the risk of psychiatric disorders in obese or overweight patients taking Acomplia compared to those taking placebo.
The CHMP considered that the new data from post-marketing experience and ongoing clinical trials indicated that serious psychiatric disorders may be more common than in the clinical trials used in the initial assessment of the medicine. The CHMP was also of the opinion that these psychiatric side effects could not be adequately addressed by further risk minimisation measures.
In addition, the CHMP noted, that the effectiveness of Acomplia in clinical practice is more limited than was expected on the basis of the clinical trials, because available data indicate that patients generally take Acomplia only for a short period.
Prescribers should not issue any prescriptions for Acomplia and should review the treatment of patients currently taking the medicine. Patients who are currently taking Acomplia should consult their doctor or pharmacist at a convenient time to discuss their treatment. There is no need for patients to stop treatment with Acomplia immediately, but patients who wish to stop can do so at any time.
EMEA press release. [PDF]
EMEA Questions and Answers. [PDF]
MHAR Page.
MHRA letter to healthcare professionals.[PDF]