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Is Alli Safe



Is Alli Safe? 

When asking is Alli Safe, one must understand the weight-loss drug’s history, particularly the suspected Alli recall that occurred in August of 2009. Before reading on, it must be known that the Food and Drug Administration never instituted an Alli recall—the administration simply required the maker of Orlistate to change the label. There was no Alli recall, just a simple mandate that required the makers of Alli to include new safety information and warnings on their over-the –counter drug. 

On August 25th of 2009, the United States Food and Drug Administration declared that it was to review the adverse event reports of severe liver injury in Alli patients. Note: Alli is the non-prescription (over-the-counter) form of Xenical, which is comprised of the drug Orlistat. So, when asking is Alli safe, one is truly asking is Orlistate safe. 

Between 1999 and 2008, the United States Food and Drug Administration received over 30 reports citing serious liver injury in Orlistate users. Of those cases, 27 individuals reported hospitalization and six resulted in complete liver failure. Note: the majority of these cases occurred outside of America. 

The suspected Alli recall was prompted by these reports. The most commonly reported adverse side effect included jaundice (yellowing of the eyes) and yellowing of the skin, as well as general fatigue and stomach pain. 

During the time of the suspected Alli recall, Orlistat was wildly popular; the drug utilized a lipid inhibitor to absorb fattening foods. In addition to the United States Food and Drug Administration’s decision to forego an Alli recall, the European medicines Agency, in February of 2012, also determined that drugs containing Orlistate, possess a positive benefit-risk balance. This determination, which ultimately means that drugs like Alli cause more good than harm, ultimately led to the EMU’s bypass of an Alli recall. 

Although an Alli recall never took place, the question still remains: is Alli Safe? To answer this question, one must review the reports of the EMU and the FDA during the expected FDA recall. Another, more simplistic means to answer the question of is Alli safe, requires you to look at the side effects that prompted the expected Alli recall.

Is Alli Safe: Common Side Effects Associated with Alli

Orlistate—the primary drug of Alli—yields numerous side effects. The most common side effects, when reviewing is Alli, primarily deals with the digestive tract and bowel movement habits. Alli side effects typically occur during the first few weeks of the treatment course; however, when talking about is Alli safe, said side effects may persist throughout the use of Orlistat. You must inform your doctor if any of the following symptoms are persistent or severe:

• When asking is Alli safe, you must understand that it can cause oily spotting on your underwear or other clothing

• Alli side effects may also cause an urgent need to have a bowel movement

• When asking is Alli safe you must understand that you can encounter headaches, hives, rashes, nausea, excessive weakness or tiredness, irregular periods, stomach pain, difficulty controlling bowel movements and loose stools

If you experience any of the above Alli side effects, you must immediately contact your local pharmacist or medical professional. 

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