Public Health Alert Update: Counterfeit Alli containing sibutramine

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is updating its warning to the public about a counterfeit version of Alli 60 mg capsules (120 count refill pack) being sold over the internet, particularly at online auction sites like eBay. FDA advises people who believe that they have a counterfeit product not to use the drug.

Alli is an FDA-approved over-the-counter weight loss drug that contains orlistat as its active ingredient.  The counterfeit version of Alli does not contain orlistat; rather, it is made with varying amounts of sibutramine, a stimulant drug.

Although sibutramine is the active ingredient in another FDA-approved prescription weight loss drug, it is only to be used in specific doses and under the supervision of a physician. The counterfeit product is illegal and unsafe.

Additional FDA laboratory tests on the counterfeit product show that people may be taking 3-times the usual daily dose (or twice the recommended maximum dose) of sibutramine if they are following the dosing directions for Alli. Healthy people who take this much sibutramine can experience anxiety, nausea, heart palpitations, tachycardia (a racing heart), insomnia, and small increases in blood pressure. This excessive amount of sibutramine is dangerous to people who have a history of cardiovascular disease, and can lead to elevated blood pressure, stroke, or heart attack.

FDA recommends everybody check and make sure they are not taking counterfeit Alli. If they suspect they are taking the counterfeit product, they should stop taking the drug. People should contact their healthcare professionals if they have taken the counterfeit product and are experiencing more than mild side effects, especially if they have a history of cardiovascular disease.

Although the counterfeit product looks very similar to Alli, this product can be identified by:

A missing LOT code on the outer cardboard packaging.  An expiration date that includes a MONTH, DAY, and YEAR — the expiration date of the real product only contains a MONTH and a YEAR.   A plain foil for the inner safety seal without any words on it — the safety seal of the real product has the words “SEALED FOR YOUR PROTECTION” prominently printed on it.  The counterfeit product will also contain large capsules with white powder, as opposed to the small white pellets found in Alli.  People can also compare the product they bought over the internet to one purchased at a pharmacy. The plastic bottle of the counterfeit product will be slightly taller, have a wider cap, and coarser ribbing on the cap then what is seen with authentic Alli.
People who believe they have received counterfeit Alli can contact GSK if they believe they have purchased the counterfeit product.  Consumers are encouraged to report adverse events that may be related to the use of these counterfeit products

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Alli Research

Alli — a weaker version of Roche Holding’s prescription drug Xenical, known generically as orlistat — is the first over-the-counter diet medication approved by the FDA.  Orlistat works by inhibiting the production of an enzyme that the body uses to break down fats for digestion. Because the drug is not well absorbed by the digestive system, it acts only while sitting in the gastrointestinal tract. When taken with a meal, orlistat blocks the body from absorbing approximately one-quarter of the fat consumed.

Did you know that about half the users of GlaxoSmithKline’s new diet drug Alli may experience gastrointestinal side effects, according to clinical trials conducted before the drug’s approval.   According to one-year clinical trials, between 35 and 55 percent of people who took the drug achieved a 5 percent or higher reduction in body mass. Upon ceasing treatment, a significant number of them regained up to 35 percent of the lost weight.

Alli Side Effects

Because Alli blocks the body from digesting fat, the body finds other ways to excrete the fat that has been consumed. This often occurs through feces, which may lead to the common side effects of loose stools, leakage and “gas with oily spotting,” according to the Alli web site.  Side effects longer than six months are possible.  To limit side effects, GlaxoSmithKline recommends that all Alli users limit their fat intake to a maximum of 15 grams per meal.  The company offers one final tip for users of Alli: “You may feel an urgent need to go to the bathroom. Until you have a sense of any treatment effects, it’s probably a smart idea to wear dark pants, and bring a change of clothes with you to work.”

Learn more about Alli in our Alli diet pill reviews:

European experts slam the launch of Alli

Alli indepth diet pill review

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With Alli, the new diet pill, weight’s over, or it?

European experts slam the launch of Alli

Professor Gareth Williams, of Bristol University, claimed that many people will believe that popping a pill like Alli, can do the work of a better diet and exercise.

Promoted as a diet pill that boosts weight loss has hit British chemist shops in the UK.  The drug, which costs £1.50 a day, was approved for sale by the European Commission.  However, Pharmacists will run potential dieters through a few questions prior to selling the diet pill – used by millions in the US.

The pill – called Orlistat or Alli – will be available without the need for a prescription in its reduced form of one-half the dose of its Xenical parent. Alli works by blocking a quarter of food fat being absorbed into the body.

Doctors claim it is safer because it works in the gut and releases only a tiny amount of its active ingredient into the blood.  Anyone slightly overweight for their height will be able to buy it. It is the first time European Commission chiefs have approved a non-prescription weight loss drug.

Alli is manufactured by pharmaceutical giant GSK.

The firm’s spokesman James Hallatt said: “Alli is not a magic pill but it can help people lose more weight than dieting alone.” Dr David Haslam, chairman of the National Obesity Forum, said licensed products like the pill “can support weight loss”.

Of course, Alli does come with very uncomforable and embrassing side effects such as added gas, loose oil stool that has been known to cause staining.

Learn more about Alli in our Alli diet pill reviews:

Alli leakage, “gas with oily spotting” side effects

Alli indepth diet pill review

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Top Weight Loss Supplements Reviewed
We've researched hundreds of weight loss products available in your local stores and online and weeded through the hype, to provide you with our top diet products profiles. Search the top top popular weight loss diet supplements available with the potential for safe use by consumers.

Compare the diet products you buy

All new diet pill reviews along with powerful diet pills research uncovered from FTC, FDA, BBB and other reports coupled with consumer feedback. Unedited! No holds barred!

Learn which diet proucts recived the highest marks. Arm yourself with potent timely information about what diet products that have the potential to achieve weight loss at a reasonable cost. Review below the weight loss aides in our easy to read rating system. Before you buy, research your weight loss aide in our easy to read weight loss product profiles:

Top Weight Loss Supplements Reviewed
We've researched hundreds of weight loss products available in your local stores and online and weeded through the hype, to provide you with our top diet products profiles. Search the top top popular weight loss diet supplements available with the potential for safe use by consumers.