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Controversial obesity drug approved

25/06/2008

A controversial drug for overweight and obese people that has been linked to depression and suicide has been recommended for use in the UK.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) decided today that rimonabant (brand name Acomplia) should be available to NHS patients.

It is advised as an addition to diet and exercise for adults who are obese or overweight and who have failed to respond to previous obesity drugs.

Nice said it should not be continued for longer than two years without a formal clinical assessment and discussion of the individual risks and benefits with the person receiving treatment.

The advisory body said clinicians should regularly monitor patients using the drug for depressive disorders and mood alterations.

Nice chief executive Andrew Dillon, executive lead for the guideline, said the decision is "good news" for obese and overweight patients who have had an inadequate response to previous treatment.

"Being overweight or obese can lead to a range of serious health problems, including heart disease, type two diabetes, osteoarthritis and some cancers," he added.