Alli is a prescription alternative to existing weight-loss drugs that have cardiac and other side effects in the body. Known generically as orlistat, Alli was highly touted at its 2007 approval as a safe and effective weight-loss tool. The medication comes complete with a weight-loss planning guide to supplement drug use. The accompanying plan is essential for Alli in particular because of how it works and its associated side effects.
Diarrhea and Urgency
Alli works in the stomach and intestines to prevent about 25 percent of total fat absorption from food. Because of this, the most common side effects are related to the stomach and digestive actions. In clinical studies, almost 12 percent of patients experienced diarrhea when using Alli, and almost 19 percent felt an urgent need to have a bowel movement. These side effects are more common at the start of Alli treatment and usually subside after fat consumption in the diet is reduced.
Gas and Stomach Pain
In addition to bowel changes, Alli can cause stomach pain and gas in up to 20 percent of people. Stomach pain is the most common side effect reported with Alli use, and it may also be felt as back pain. Gas can cause pain and pressure, and gas has been associated with bowel movements and oily secretion side effects.
Oily Secretions and Stools
The most unusual and possibly most sensitive side effect of Alli is increased oiliness of digested materials due to higher-than-normal fat content. Bowel movements of only oil secretions--and oily spotting or staining between bowel movements--may be sudden and severe enough at the start of Alli use to warrant a change of clothing. As with other digestive side effects, oily effects occur more frequently at the start of Alli use and taper when fat content of food is reduced, especially to less than 15 g per meal. By adjusting fat content of meals during use, and even just before starting Alli, a person can minimize or avoid secretions and bowel changes.
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