Drug Alli

Generic Name: orlistat (OR li stat)
Brand Names: Alli, Xenical

What is Alli?
Alli is the only FDA approved, over-the-counter weight loss product. Alli blocks some of the fat that you eat, keeping it from being absorbed by your body and helps you to lose weight. Alli is used together with a reduced-calorie diet and weight maintenance to treat obesity in people with certain risk factors (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol or triglycerides).

How does alli work?
The active ingredient in alli attaches to some of the natural enzymes in the digestive system, preventing them from breaking down about a quarter of the fat you eat. Undigested fat cannot be absorbed and passes through the body naturally. The excess fat is not harmful. Alli only works on enzymes that break down fat, not on other enzymes. So carbohydrates and proteins are not affected. You still absorb those nutrients. But, since fat grams have more than twice as many calories as carbs and proteins, alli capsules work on the worst offenders - the calorie-dense fat grams. alli is safe when used as directed - it works only in your digestive system, not in your heart or brain. That means you won't feel:

1. jittery effects
2. sleeplessness
3. a racing heart

Important information about alli
Do not give over-the-counter Alli to a child younger than 18 years old. Prescription orlistat (Xenical) should not be used by anyone age 12 to 18 without the advice of a doctor. Alli should be used only by the person it was prescribed or recommended for and should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of eating disorder. Do not take Alli if you are allergic to orlistat, or if you have gallbladder problems, or chronic malabsorption syndrome (an inability to absorb food and nutrients properly). Before taking Alli, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

1. an underactive thyroid;
2. a history of kidney stones;
3. a history of pancreatitis;
4. an eating disorder (anorexia or bulimia); or
5. if you take any other weight-loss medications (prescription or over-the-counter).

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use this medication, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Alli side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking Alli and call your doctor at once if you have severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, and a fast heart rate. These could be signs of pancreatitis. The following side effects occur commonly with the use of this medication. They are the natural effects of Alli's fat-blocking action and are actually signs that the medication is working properly. These side effects are usually temporary and may lessen as you continue treatment with Alli:

1. oily spotting in your undergarments
2. oily or fatty stools;
3. orange or brown colored oil in your stool;
4. gas with discharge, an oily discharge;
5. loose stools, or an urgent need to go to the bathroom, inability to control bowel movements;
6. an increased number of bowel movements; or
7. stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rectal pain.

Other side effects that may occur while taking Alli include:

1. problems with your teeth or gums;
2. cold or flu symptoms;
3. headache, back pain; or
4. skin rash or itching.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Latest news
In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, alli has become a sponsor of Breast Cancer Network of Strength, to promote the power of encouraging words between survivors and those whose lives have been touched by breast cancer. alli has made a $150,000 contribution to Breast Cancer Network of Strength.