Alli and Pregnancy

Although no human studies have been done on Alli and pregnancy, animal studies suggest that the drug will not cause problems if taken by a pregnant woman. However, animals and humans don't always respond to medications in the same way. In addition, pregnant women are typically not advised to lose weight. If you are taking Alli and pregnancy occurs, talk to your healthcare provider before continuing treatment.

 

Alli and Pregnancy: An Overview

Alli™ (orlistat) is a non-prescription weight loss aid. The manufacturer of the drug warns that pregnant women should not take Alli. However, animal studies suggest that it is probably safe for use during pregnancy.
 

Alli and Pregnancy Category B

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category B is given to medicines that have not been thoroughly studied in pregnant humans but that do not appear to cause harm to the fetus in animal studies. This rating is also given to medications that caused problems in animal studies but that have been shown to be safe for humans. Xenical®, the prescription version of Alli (which contains the same active ingredient in a higher strength) is a pregnancy Category B medication. Therefore, Alli is also a pregnancy Category B medication.
 
Studies of Alli in pregnant animals did not cause any problems. However, the drug has not been studied in pregnant women, and it is important to understand that medications do not always affect animals and humans in the same ways. Also, weight loss is usually not recommended for pregnant women, and Alli can sometimes cause vitamin deficiencies, which may be a problem for both the mother and the developing fetus.
 

Alli and Pregnancy: Final Thoughts

If you are pregnant, it is always a good idea to ask your healthcare provider before taking any medication (including non-prescription products). You and your healthcare provider can consider the possible risks and benefits of using Alli in your particular situation, as well as any alternative treatments.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;