continued:

Alli weight-loss pill: Does it work?

What are the side effects?

You may experience bowel changes when taking Alli. These side effects can include:

  • Gas with an oily anal discharge
  • Loose stools or diarrhea
  • More-frequent bowel movements
  • Hard-to-control bowel movements

These bowel changes result from the undigested fat going through your digestive system. You can limit the side effects by eating a low-fat diet.

When shouldn't you take Alli?

Don't take Alli if you:

  • Are at a healthy weight
  • Are taking cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, others)
  • Have had an organ transplant
  • Have problems already absorbing food

Talk with your doctor about whether using Alli would be appropriate if you take blood-thinning medication or have diabetes or thyroid disease.

Orlistat decreases the absorption of certain fat-soluble vitamins — for example, vitamins A, D and E. If you're taking Alli, you need to take a daily vitamin supplement (at a time different from when you take Alli) to prevent potential nutrient deficiencies.

How long do I need to take Alli?

According to the manufacturer, most weight loss occurs within the first six months. Many people who take medications to lose weight regain the weight they lost when they stop taking the medication. Therefore, to keep the weight off, many people continue taking medications indefinitely along with eating a low-calorie diet and exercising regularly.

How does Alli fit into a healthy weight-loss plan?

As you consider Alli as a weight-loss aid, make sure that you make every effort to exercise, change your eating habits and adjust any other lifestyle factors that have contributed to your excess weight. Alli isn't the easy answer to weight loss and is meant only to supplement — not replace — a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Work with your doctor to evaluate the potential benefits and risks of Alli or any other weight-loss drugs. As a team, you and your doctor can create the most effective weight-loss plan for you.

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References
  1. FDA approves orlistat for over-the-counter use. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2007/ucm108839.htm. Accessed Dec. 7, 2011.
  2. Bray GA, et al. Drug therapy of obesity. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 7, 2011.
  3. Anderson JW, et al. Low-dose orlistat effects on body weight of mildly to moderately overweight individuals: A 16-week, double-blind, placebo controlled trial. Annals of Pharmacotherapy. 2006;40:1717.
  4. Padwal RS. Drug treatments for obesity: Orlistat, sibutramine and rimonabant. Lancet. 2007;369:71.
  5. Alli — Introducing the only FDA-approved OTC weight loss product. Alli website for healthcare professionals. http://www.allihcp.com/IntroAlli_IntroAlli.aspx. Accessed Dec. 7, 2011.
  6. Alli frequently asked questions. MyAlli.com. http://www.myalli.com/faq.aspx. Accessed Dec. 7, 2011.
  7. Completed safety review of Xenical/Alli (orlistat) and severe liver injury. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm213038.htm. Accessed Dec. 7, 2011.
  8. Xenical (prescribing information). San Francisco, Calif.: Genentech USA, Inc., 2010. http://www.gene.com/gene/products/information/xenical/. Accessed Dec. 7, 2011.
  9. Prescription medications for the treatment of obesity. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/prescription.htm#meds. Accessed Dec. 7, 2011.
  10. Anderson JW. Orlistat for the management of overweight individuals and obesity: A review of potential for the 60-mg, over-the-counter dosage. Expert Opinions in Pharmacotherapy. 2007;8:1733.
  11. Schwartz SM, et al. Compliance, behavior change, and weight loss with orlistat in an over-the-counter setting. Obesity. 2008;16:623.
  12. Smith SR, et al. Orlistat 60 mg reduces visceral adipose tissue: A 24-week randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Obesity. 2011;19:1796.
  13. Hensrud DD (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 27, 2011.
WT00030 Feb. 11, 2012

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