A counterfeit version of the diet pill Alli has been being sold online to consumers across the nation, including in the state of Indiana.
The 60 mg counterfeit version of Alli is sold in a 120 count refill kit, and contains the active ingredient sibutramine, which is found in the diet pill Meridia. The active ingredient in Alli is orlistat.
Sibutramine has recently come under scrutiny after findings of potential dangers that may occur with users who have health related issues. There is a possibility of unknown drug interaction with the counterfeit version of Alli and other prescription drugs that the consumer may be taken.
While Alli is FDA approved to be sold over-the-counter, sibutramine is not. Any products with sibutramine in it must be prescribed by a physician.
To date, only internet sales of the counterfeit Alli has been declared. There have been no retail sales.
So how can a consumer tell which Alli products sold online are real and which are counterfeit? The FDA gives a few tips to distinguish the two.
- First of all, the counterfeit Alli will not have a “lot” code on the outer cardboard packaging.
- The expiration date on the counterfeit version is eight digits (ex: 01212010), rather than only the month and year (ex: 01/21).
- The physical look of the fake Alli is slightly different: the plastic bottle is slightly taller and has a wider cap. The ribbing on the cap is coarser, as well.
- Check the foil safety seal under the plastic cap. The real product will state: “Sealed for your protection.” The fake product does not state anything.
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The pills look different. The counterfeit Alli is a large capsule filled with white powder. The authentic Alli is in the form of small white pellets.
Any consumers who have purchased a counterfeit version of Alli are urged to call the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations at 800-551-3989.
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