NICE about Reductil

What is NICE?

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) produces guidance for patients on medicines, medical equipment and clinical procedures based on evidence of clinical and cost effectiveness. Each appraisal takes around 12 months to complete and involves the manufacturers of the technology, patient groups and professional organisations.

What does NICE recommend about the use of sibutramine?

NICE's guidance means that for the first time there are clear standards on the use of sibutramine in the treatment of obesity.

NICE has recommended that:
· sibutramine must be viewed as only one part of an overall treatment plan for the management of obesity
· sibutramine should only be prescribed for people between the ages of 18 and 65 years, who have made serious endeavours to lose weight by dieting, exercise and/or other changes in their behaviour, and who:
· have a BMI of 27kg/m² or more in the presence of significant other diseases which persists despite standard treatment, e.g. Type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol level
· have a BMI of 30kg/m² or more
· when treatment with sibutramine is offered, arrangements should be made for appropriate health professionals to offer specific advice, support and counselling on diet, physical activity and strategies to manage behaviour
· people should only continue on this treatment beyond four weeks if they have lost 2kg of body weight from the start of the drug treatment
· people should only continue on this treatment beyond three months if they have lost at least five per cent (5kg for each 100kg) of body weight from the start of the drug treatment
· treatment is not recommended to be continued beyond 12 months.

What does this mean for people with diabetes?

This guidance will mean that, no matter where you live, if you reach the appropriate stage in your treatment, as highlighted above, you may be offered sibutramine, if appropriate, to help manage your weight.