Alli is an OTC weight-loss pill

 

Alli is indicated to treat obesity (weight loss). Alli contains Orlistat as its prime ingredient. Alli is the only FDA approved OTC (Over the Counter) drug for weight loss.

What is Alli?

Though Xenical also contains Orlistat, it is prescription only medicine. The reason Alli is OTC drug and Xenical is prescription drug is Alli contains 60mg and Xenical contains 120mg Orlistat.

Alli has been approved as weight loss treatment in people of age 18 and older. Alli alone can not reduce weight. It must be administered along with daily exercise and strict low-fat and low-calorie diet.

What are the concerns with Alli?

Precautions for Taking Alli

Cases of liver injury were reported by those who were taking Alli. Although no link was found between Alli and liver damaged, it is strongly recommended to consult healthcare professional before starting Alli.

Medical help is advisable if patient feel unusual tiredness, fever or brown urine.

Do not take if you have Cholestasis, Malabsorption, or are allergic to Orlistat.

Caution in case of:
allergies to any foods or dyes, kidney stones or gallbladder problems, history of anorexia or bulimia, taking any other medications or dietary supplements for weight loss; pregnancy, breast-feeding, children under 16, over the age of 60, or discontinuing.

How does Alli work?

Alli helps reduce weight by lowering fat absorption. This eventually reduces the amount of calories absorption by obese patient.

Eaten food is converted into energy by a complex mechanism. An enzyme, known as Lipase, plays important role of breaking fat into small chunks. These chunks are later used to store energy. Alli interfers in that fat-breaking mechanism by disabling lipase to do its job.

Best result with Alli has been found when taken with low-fat diet. It is suggested to take meal three times a day with no more than 15gm of fat (for each meal). High fat diet may show some adverse effects.

How much weight could I lose using Alli?

Patient can lose 4-5 pounds more with Alli than exercise and diet alone. Alli with diet and exercise can help lose weight around 8-9 pounds.

Clinical trials have suggested that Alli with lifestyle changes produces great result.

Alli (Orlistat 60 mg) Interactions

Combining with Cyclosporine has an unknown effect.
Combining with lipid lowering drugs such as Pravastatin increases pravastatin effect.
Combining with vitamins A, D, E, and K decreases vitamin effect.
Combining with Warfarin increases warfarin effect.

Alli Side effects

Some common side effects associated with Alli are....

Cough, breathing difficulty, tightness in chest, wheezing; back pain, anxiety, menstrual irregularities, tooth or gum problems and rectal pain or discomfort.

Rare Alli Side effects are...

Rare: Nausea, vomiting, skin rash, joint pain, dizziness, dry skin, fatigue, insomnia, muscle pain; diarrhea, haring changes, ear pain, brown or bloody urine, pain or difficult urination, more frequent urination.

• 60 Mg