Photo credit: AP Photos, Alli made by GlaxosmithKline
As if side effects of "oily spotting in your undergarments, gas with discharge, and inability to control bowel movements" aren't scary enough, the makers of Alli and Xenical have now revised their label to include a new risk: liver damage.
According to a recent FDA safety announcement, the makers of Alli and Xenical (different doses of the same drug, Orlistat) now must include information about the possible danger of severe liver damage with use. This was prompted after the FDA reviewed 13 reported cases of severe liver damaged linked to the active ingredient Orlistat (12 occurred with Xenical, 1 with Alli). The cases were relatively rare, yet severe, which is why consumers of the drug are now being told to be aware of the signs of possible liver problems (such as yellowing of the skin and eyes, not just your pants).
So, how do Alli and Xenical work?
Alli garnered a lot of attention for being one of the first diet drugs to go over the counter (Xenical is the stronger, prescription version). It works by blocking about 25% of the fat in your diet. But, that fat doesnt get zapped by the fat fairy. By blocking the fat in your digestive tract, the drug can cause gas, anal leakage, and uncontrollable bowel movements. These side effects are even worse if you happen to eat a meal with more than 15 grams of fat. Thats about as much fat in a 1-2 slices of pizza, or in a small ice cream cone (don't plan on much of a dating life on the drug).
The makers of Alli (GlaxoSmithKline) report that patients lost about 50% more weight with Alli, although, they are not sure if its due to the lifestyle changes people make when taking the drug (such as, don't eat junk food to avoid ruining your pants) or the mechanism of the drug alone. Since the idea of eating a donut on the way to work and having "oily gassy discharge" at your morning meeting doesn't appeal to many, the drug basically forces you to eat healthier out of fear of social humiliation. It also only works on fat, meaning eating tons of low fat food still can pack in a lot of calories.
The starter pack of Alli runs about $54 a month. For this price or much less, you can join Weight Watchers online, Ediets, or Sparkpeople.com (free!) for better guidance on menus and food choices, minus your backside exploding like a Gulf oil spill.
Although people must weigh the risks of taking any drug with the benefits, knowing all of the possible risks is important. But, if you want to spare your savings, your liver, and your underwear, you might want to steer clear of Alli and Xenical.
For more information: Go to www.fda.gov for more information on drug information. Contact Catherine at DrCatChiro@gmail.com.
Comments