The FDA issued a new warning yesterday to anyone currently using the drugs ALLI and Xenical to lose weight citing that they may cause severe liver damage in some cases. This came after the agency studied thirteen cases of major damage to the organ reported during a ten year period from 1999-2009. The cases involved twelve international patients taking Xenical and one American who used ALLI from 2007 to 2008. Three of the people involved in the study ended up needed transplants, while two others died.
It is estimated that over 40 million people all over the world have used the drugs at some point. The Food and Drug Administration is recommending that all patients and healthcare providers be alert to any signs of damage to their livers such as yellow eyes and skin, loss of appetite and itching.
ALLI is an over-the-counter drug manufactured by Glaxo-SmithKline. The prescription version of Xenical is made and sold by Roche.
For further information call: Glaxo SmithKline at their US corporate switchboard 1 888 825 5249 or US Customer Response Center 1 888 825 5249. Roche Diagnostics Corp. U.S. Headquarters 9115 Hague Road, Indianapolis, IN 46250 317-521-2000. You can also contact the FDA directly at Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002, 1-888-463-6332
In addition, residents can report any health concerns related to the above issue as well as anything else by contacting Department of Public Health 410 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06134 860 509-8000
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