New Warning for Weight Loss Drugs Alli and Xenical
Alli and Xenical are both drugs used by consumers for weight loss. Xenical requires a prescription, while Alli is an over-the-counter version that contains lower doses. On June 24, 2009, the FDA listed both drugs under investigation for safety issues of liver toxicity. Alli has also been in the news for problems in counterfeits of the drug.
Recently, the FDA ordered label changes on these drugs. The warning is regarding the risk of severe liver damage as a result of using the drugs. Both drugs contain the active ingredient orlistat, which blocks absorption of fats in the intestines. So far, the FDA has reports of 13 cases of severe liver damage associated with usage of the drugs, with two cases resulting in death. Symptoms of liver damage include dark urine, loss of appetite, light-colored stools, and yellow coloring in the eye whites and skin.