FDA, Glaxo-Smith-Kline Warn of Counterfeit Alli
Popular Weight Loss Drug's Counterfeit Contains Controlled Substance
Consumers hoping to save a ton of cash on popular weight loss drug Alli by buying it via the Internet may be buying counterfeit Alli, according to the FDA and Glaxo-Smith-Kline, maker of Alli. The FDA issued a warning to consumers outlining the differences between the packaging between the genuine Alli (orlistat) and its counterfeit version. According to the FDA's press release, the packaging isn't the only difference. Counterfeit Alli could potentially contain a controlled substance called sibutramine.
What is sibutramine?
Sibutramine is the main ingredient in another weight loss drug, Meridia. Patients taking Meridia need to be very careful about drug interactions as there are long lists of drugs such as those taken for depression and stomach ailments that do not work well with sibutramine. In addition, certain antibiotics can inhibit the conversion of sibutramine in the liver. Sibutramine must be converted in the liver to become active.
In November, 2009, the FDA indicated that it had notified health care providers in the fields of cardiology and endocrinology that it would be reviewing data from a study that showed a potential link between the drug and increased cardiac events, including heart attacks and strokes, in individuals taking prescription Meridia. Health care providers were put on notice about the preliminary findings and the FDA's safety review so that the providers could be aware of the potential risks in prescribing Meridia to patients with a cardiac history.
What does counterfeit Alli look like?
The FDA press release displays pictures of genuine Alli, its packaging and important information about lot numbers and expiration dates. The side-by-side comparison should make it clear to consumers who may have purchased counterfeit Alli over the Internet. Consumers who believe that they may have received counterfeit Alli are urged to contact the FDA, specifically their Office of Criminal Investigations. Affected consumers can call the OCI at 800-551-3989 or visit the OCI Web site at http://www.fda.gov/OCI.
In addition, consumers who may have taken counterfeit Alli should consult their health care provider. Health care providers are also urged to report any adverse events to the FDA.
Sources:
Medicine drug info on sibutramine
FDA press release regarding counterfeit Alli (including pictures of counterfeit)
FDA Safety Alert regarding Meridia, November 2009
Published by Carly Hart
One of AC's Top 1000 Content Producers, Carly Hart's interests include news, politics, parenting, frugal living and consumer related issues. A Featured Contributor in the Shopping and Fashion category, she... View profile
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- Consumers should contact FDA if they may have purchased the counterfeit over the Internet.
- There is NO evidence that counterfeit Alli was or has been sold in retail stores.