Alli (Orlistat 60 mg) Drug Overview of Side Effects and Precautions for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 24, 2012

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Obesity »

Obesity facts

Obesity means having excess body fat. For adults 35 and older, having a BMI greater than 30 is considered obese.
Obesity is not just a cosmetic consideration. It is a chronic medical disease that can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, gallstones, and other chronic illnesses.
Obesity is difficult to treat and has a high relapse rate. Greater than 95% of those who lose weight regain the weight within five years.
Even though medications and diets can help, the treatment of obesity cannot be a short-term "fix" but has to be a life-long commitment to proper diet habits, increased physical activity, and regular exercise.
The goal of treatment should be to achieve and maintain a "healthier weight," not necessarily an ideal weight.
Even a modest weight loss of 5%-10% of initial weight and the long-term maintenance of that weight loss can bring significant health benefits ...

Read the Obesity article »

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SIDE EFFECTS: Changes in your bowel function frequently occur because of the unabsorbed fat. Fatty/oily stool, oily spotting, intestinal gas with discharge, a feeling of needing to have a bowel movement right away, increased number of bowel movements, or poor bowel control may occur. These side effects may get worse if you eat more fat than you should. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Stop taking this medication and tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: symptoms of liver disease (such as persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin), symptoms of kidney stones (such as back pain, pain when urinating, pink/bloody urine).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking orlistat, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain digestive problem (chronic malabsorption syndrome), certain gall bladder problem (cholestasis).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), kidney stones/problems (e.g., calcium oxalate kidney stones, hyperoxaluria), certain eating disorders (anorexia nervosa/bulimia).

If you are diabetic, weight loss may improve your blood sugar control. Be sure to check your blood sugar regularly and tell your doctor the results. Your diet or medications may need to be adjusted.

This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.