Alli™ (
orlistat) is a non-prescription weight loss medication. It is the only non-prescription
weight loss drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Alli is made by GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare.
Alli works by decreasing the absorption of fat from your diet. The stomach and intestines have enzymes called lipases that break down fat into smaller molecules, which are then absorbed from your digestive tract. Alli binds to lipases and inhibits their activity, helping to decrease fat absorption. The drug does not have any effect on carbohydrates or protein.
On average, Alli tends to prevent the absorption of approximately 25 percent of the fat in the diet. Studies have shown that when used in combination with dieting, this medication helps people lose 50 percent more weight than with just dieting alone. The exact amount of weight loss people experience while taking the drug depends on several factors, including their diet and exercise habits. It is reasonable to expect a modest and gradual weight loss with Alli combined with dieting -- about one to two pounds per week.
General considerations for when and how to take Alli include the following:
- The medication comes in capsule form. It is taken by mouth with each fat-containing meal, up to three times per day.
- If you miss a meal, or if you have a meal without any fat, you should skip the dose of Alli.
- The medication should be combined with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet. Eating too much fat increases the risk of side effects. In general, you should try to limit your fat intake to less than 30 percent of your total daily calories.
- Each starter pack comes with a code and instructions on how to sign up for myalliplan, an online tool that can help you in your weight loss journey. This tool contains a wealth of useful information. In addition, it will actually tailor an individual weight loss plan for you and can help you track your progress.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as directed by the package instructions.
There is only one recommended Alli dose, regardless of your age, weight, or other medications or medical conditions.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Alli. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects include but are not limited to:
- Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
- Urgent need to have a bowel movement
- Gas
- Oily spotting (uncontrolled anal seepage of oil).
(Click Alli Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Alli?
Talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Alli if you have:
- Diabetes
- A thyroid disorder
- Had an organ transplant
- A medical problem that decreases your ability to absorb food
- Gallbladder problems
- A history of kidney stones
- A history of pancreatitis.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
It is not known what exactly to expect from an Alli overdose, other than the usual side effects (which might occur more severely). If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Alli Be Stored?
Alli should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the capsules either in their original container or in the travel case that comes with the drug.
Keep Alli and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Alli as scheduled, take the missed dose, provided it is within one hour of the meal during which you missed the dose. If it is an hour or more after the meal, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Alli comes one strength -- Alli 60 mg capsules. This is half the strength of the prescription version of the drug (
Xenical® 120 mg capsules). It is available in the following packages:
- Alli Starter Pack -- 60 capsules
- Alli Starter Pack -- 90 capsules
- Alli Refill Pack -- 120 capsules.
Is There a Generic Version of Alli?
Currently, there are no generic versions of Alli licensed for sale
(see Generic Alli).
