Alli

The active ingredient in Alli is orlistat. This weight loss drug acts as a lipase inhibitor. It will inhibit enzymes that aid in breaking down fat. Overall, this causes a reduced absorption of fat, which can help those with obesity lose weight.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Alli. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Alli:

• This medication is typically taken three times a day with each meal that contains fat. It can be taken up to 1 hour after the meal.
• Ensure a reduced-calorie and low-fat diet is followed, as including high fat can worsen the side effects from the medication.
• Ensure an appropriate multivitamin that includes vitamins A, D, E, and K is taken alongside this medication, as it will increase the difficulty of absorbing these essential fat-soluble vitamins.

The most common side effects of Alli include:

• Loose stools
• Oily spotting
• Increased bowel movements or frequent stools that are hard to control
• Oily stools

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Alli. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Severe allergic reaction: hives, skin rash, or difficulty breathing
• Frequent or worsening seizures
• Severe stomach pain
• Liver injury: loss of appetite, dark urine, upper right stomach pain, and yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Kidney problems: nausea and vomiting, blood in urine, and cloudy, foul-smelling urine

These are not all of the possible side effects of Alli. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Alli, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if any of the following apply:

• Digestive disorder
• Kidney stones
• Underactive thyroid
• Taking cyclosporine
• Gallbladder problem
• History of organ transplant
• Pancreatitis
• Not overweight
• Liver injury

• Known allergy to Alli or any of its inactive ingredients
• Taking cyclosporine
• Pregnant

This weight loss pill will begin working within the first two weeks.

When Alli is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Warfarin
• Medications used for HIV or AIDS
• Medications used for diabetes, including insulin
• Amiodarone
• Medications used for seizures
• Certain vitamin supplements

This medication is available as a prescription and a non-prescription or OTC. It is available as an oral capsule that contains orlistat 60 mg.

Alli should be stored at room temperature and away from the reach of children.

The pharmaceutical company that manufactures Alli is GlaxoSmithKline.

There are no lower-cost alternatives for the brand names Alli and Xenical.

This medication does not require tapering; however, consult your doctor before stopping the medication.

This medication is not recommended during pregnancy as weight loss is not safe. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

It is not known if Alli is found in breast milk or what effects it may have on your unborn baby or milk production. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.