The introduction of Alli (Orlistat) is the first over-the-counter FDA-approved anti-obesity drug – is a major milestone that will benefit millions of overweight Americans. Alli is scheduled to be available in drugstores this summer, consists of a lower strength version of the popular weight loss drug Xenical (orlistat) it is also the one weight loss drug that is endorsed from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and accessible without prescription.
The pharmaceutical giant as well as Alli manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline holds the product rights to Alli through a partnership agreement with Roche which is the producer of the prescription-only Xenical. Xenical has a solid safety track record and has been shown to be effective but not completely in helping overweight people shed weight. Research suggests that when people take prescription Xenical along with a weight-loss plan they lost an average of 12.4 pounds of weight within 6 months — nearly more than double that of people who take the placebo drug for weight loss. Certain studies suggest that Alli with only half the dose (and roughly one-third of the cost for prescribed Xenical,) is almost as efficient.
How it Does It Work
The drug blocks fats from food from being taken up by the body following the consumption of food. The fat that has been digested is eliminated from the body as stool waste. In turn, results in a reduction in fat absorption by up to 30 percent.
Alli will be available in capsules of 60 milligrams to be taken 3 times per day, in conjunction with meals that are rich in fat. The official at GlaxoSmithKline stated that the medication operates by “blocking around 25 percent of fat in the food that people consume. Due to the way it works Alli is best used as part of a low-calorie diet, which is low-fat and has around fifteen grams of fat each meal.” GlaxoSmithKline added that the drug can help people lose 50 % more weight than dieting on its own. Alli will cost users about $12-$25 per week.
“This is the one FDA-approved, over the counter weight-loss product available,” Dr. Charles J. Ganley director of director of FDA’s Division of Over-The-Counter Drug Products spoke on a conference call. “There are certain products, particularly nutritional supplements, which claim to help with weight loss, but they are not FDA-approvedeven though they can claim these benefits.”
Alli vs. Alli vs. U.S. Obesity Epidemic
The FDA’s approval for the first drug that is available over the counter to help lose weight comes at a time when in the United States and other Western nations face an unimaginable obesity epidemic. Based on the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics thirty percent of American adult population of 20 years over which is more than 60 millionare obese. Another 36 % of Americans are considered overweight.
But do you think Alli the miracle diet pill dieters have been begging for? It’s not so, according to certain researchers. Doctor. Raj Padwal, an assistant professor of general internal medicine at the University of Alberta, is uncertain about the efficacy of the medication. “People could lose anywhere from about 1 two kilograms (2.2 or 4.4 pounds) in this dose of half strength (of Xenicalthe drug]. The value of that is debatable” Padwal added. Padwal. “The rare patient could be benefited, but a majority of patients won’t. For those who require additional motivation to adhere to a diet low in fat, the medication may be helpful.”
Alli could cause only a small amount of damage, but it could be a source of limited good as per doctor. David L. Katz as who is an assistant professor of health sciences and the director of the Prevention Research Center at the Yale University School of Medicine. “[Alliis a comparatively ineffective weight-loss medication,” he said. “If the availability of the drug detracts people from the tried-and-true method of weight loss – eating well and exercising regularly, then the FDA decision could be more detrimental than beneficial despite good intentions.”
Incidious Side Effects
Based on research and clinical trials, Alli has very few adverse negative effects. However, it is important to be aware when eating meals that contain excessive fat when taking the medication could cause bowel problems like loose stools, in accordance with the FDA. These side effects usually occur in the first few weeks of treatment. These side effects can be controlled by adhering to the diet guidelines that includes about fifteen grams of fat for each dinner, GlaxoSmithKline said. It is also suggested that patients consume a multivitamin at least once a each day before bedtime, as it can hinder the absorption of certain vitamins.
Other possible side effects be:
O Oily skin spots on the skin
Gas with discharge
• Fecal urgency
• Oily or fatty stool
o Frequent bowel movements
Before taking Alli
A consultation with a physician is advised prior to taking Alli. Be sure to:
Inform your pharmacist or doctor about any allergies to orlistat or other medications.
Inform your pharmacist or doctor about the prescription and nonprescription medicines you’re taking, particularly the anticoagulants (”blood thinners”) such as warfarin (Coumadin) as well as drugs for diabetes, like glipizide (Glucotrol) or Glyburide (DiaBeta, Dynase, Micronase) and metformin (Glucophage) and insulin; additional medications to reduce weight; pravastatin (Pravachol) and vitamin supplements such as beta-carotene, vitamins E, A, and K; as well as herbal supplements. If you’re taking Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), use it 2 hours prior orlistat, or two hours after.
Ask your doctor about it whether you are suffering from or have previously suffered from anorexia nervosa, the bulimia syndrome, gallstones, diabetes, thyroid disease kidney disease or suffer from problems with the absorption of foods (malabsorption disorder).
Do not hesitate to inform your doctor if expecting, planning to be pregnant, or nursing.
Inform your doctor of your medical history and history of alcohol or drugs to prevent any medical incident.
People who have undergone an organ transplant shouldn’t use the Alli. Any person taking blood thinners or who are being treated for thyroid disease should speak with a physician prior to taking the medication according to the FDA advised.
Are Alli the final solution that can end the obesity epidemic for all? Research suggests that it could definitely help, but the skeptics are equally concerned regarding its overall efficacy. If you’re thinking of taking Alli as it is set to hit the shelves in the summer, you should speak with your doctor before you do so.