FDA Warns Consumers about Counterfeit Version of Weight Loss Drug Alli
Recently, the FDA warned consumers that a counterfeit version of the over-the-counter weight loss product Alli could be harmful. The counterfeit Alli has been sold in 60mg capsules as part of a 120 count refill kit on online auction websites like Ebay. The manufacturer of Alli, GlaxoSmithKline, has stated that tests on the counterfeit version of the drug showed that it contained sibutramine. Sibutramine may interact adversely with other medications, and should not be ingested by patients with certain medical conditions.
Consumers can identify counterfeit versions of the drug through the following differences:
(1) There is no “LOT code” on the top of the outer cardboard packaging of the counterfeit version.
(2) The genuine version has an expiration date that only includes the month and the year.
(3) The counterfeit version does not have the statement “SEALED FOR YOUR PROTECTION” on the seal of the bottle.
(4) The counterfeit version has a slightly larger capsule size.
(5) The content of the capsules in the counterfeit version is powdery, which is not true in the genuine version.
Consumers who believe they have purchased the counterfeit version of the drug should contact the FDA at http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/email/oc/oci/contact.cfm.