Controversial diet drug, rimonabant, has been approved for use on the NHS despite indications that the drug may trigger suicidal behavior.
Controversial diet drug, rimonabant, has been approved for use on the NHS despite indications that the drug may trigger suicidal behavior.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has approved rimonabant, but has said the drug may be unsafe for patients also taking anti-depressants. Many obesity specialists have welcomed the ruling despite there being reservations about the drug."We can be absolutely reassured that they have looked closely at the evidence and made an appropriate decision," said Dr David Haslam, the clinical director of the National Obesity Forum. "This is a very good drug, and there are very many people who have tried everything else, including other drugs, with little success, who might benefit from it."
However there have been many reports of violence and suicidal behavior linked to the drug since it was introduced in 2006 in the UK. Doctors will want to look at this before prescribing it widely.
Source-Medindia
RAS/L
