Alli

Alli is the first (and currently only) non-prescription weight loss drug available that has been approved by the FDA. It decreases the absorption of fat in the diet by binding to enzymes that break down fat molecules. The drug comes in capsule form and is taken with each fat-containing meal. Possible side effects of Alli include stomach pain, an urgent need to have a bowel movement, and gas.

 

What Is Alli?

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).
 
(Click Alli Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Alli?

Alli is made by GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare.
 

How Does Alli Work?

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. Alli does not have any effect on carbohydrates or protein.
 

Effects of Alli

On average, Alli tends to prevent the absorption of approximately 25 percent of the fat in the diet. Studies have shown that Alli, when used in combination with dieting, helps people lose 50 percent more weight than with just dieting alone. The exact amount of weight 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.
 

When and How to Take Alli

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 Alli side effects. In general, you should try to limit your fat intake to less than 30 percent of your total daily calories.
     
  • Each Alli 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.
     

Dosing Information for Alli

There is only one recommended Alli dose, regardless of your age, weight, or other medications or medical conditions.
 
(Click Alli Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Alli

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 of Alli 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 that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With Alli

Alli can interact with a number of other medications (see Alli Drug Interactions).
 

Alli: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should 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
  • Had kidney stones in the past
  • Had 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.
 
(Click Alli Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose of Alli?

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 overdose on Alli, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Alli Overdose for more information.)
 

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 of Alli?

If you do not take your Alli as scheduled, take the missed dose if 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.
 

Strengths of Alli

Alli comes one strength -- Alli 60 mg capsules. This is half the strength of the prescription version of Alli (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).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;