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Home > Drug Category > Weight Loss Medications > Alli and Equivalent

Alli Information

Alli (Orlistat) is used to promote weight loss or reduce the risk of regaining weight that you have already lost. Losing weight and keeping it off can prevent health risks like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes that come with obesity. You should use this medicine with a calorie-deficit diet and exercise program for maximum results. Lipase inhibitors like Orlistat block the enzyme that promotes fat breakdown in your diet. The undigested fat passes out of your body during bowel movement. Orlistat does not block the absorption of calories from non-fat foods and sugar. Therefore, you still need to restrict your calorie intake.

Alli Side Effects

The most common side effects of Alli may include fatty stools, gas discharge, loose stools, an increase in bowel movement, stomach pain, and oily spotting on undergarments. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Bloody urine;
• Severe lower back pain;
• Severe stomach pain;
• Signs of kidney problems such as little to no urinating, shortness of breath, swelling in feet or ankles;
• Signs of liver problems such as upper stomach pain, nausea, appetite loss, dark urine, clay-colored stools

Alli Precautions

Do not use Alli if you are allergic to Orlistat or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have malabsorption syndrome; have gallbladder problems; are not overweight; have had an organ transplant; have ever had kidney stones; have an underactive thyroid; have kidney disease; have an eating disorder like bulimia or anorexia; have liver disease; think you may be pregnant or plan to become pregnant; are breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Alli and other medications, like amiodarone, warfarin, efavirenz, ritonavir, and metformin. Do not use Alli if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant without informing your doctor. It is not advisable to lose weight in pregnancy, even if you are overweight. Losing weight in pregnancy can harm your unborn baby. Do not use Alli while breastfeeding without talking to your doctor.

If you take Orlistat when breastfeeding, it makes it harder for your body to absorb vitamins and can lead to malnutrition in your nursing infant. It is unknown if this drug is safe for use in children below 18 years of age. Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take this drug by mouth, usually three times daily. You should take this drug with each main meal that contains some fat, which is no more than 30% of the calories in that meal. You can take this drug with your meal or up to 1 hour after eating. Alli is part of a complete health program that includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Orlistat may make it harder for your body to absorb specific vitamins. You may need to take a vitamin and mineral supplement while using the drug. Avoid eating high-fat meals while taking this drug. They can cause unpleasant side effects on your stomach or intestines. Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Alli?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Alli.