According to Mayoclinic.com, Alli is the weight loss medication, orlistat and is available as an over-the-counter medicine in 60 mg capsules. Alli works in the body by blocking lipase, a digestive enzyme that helps break down fat for absorption. According to Myalli.com, one capsule is to be taken with each main meal to block 25 percent of the fat eaten from being absorbed. While Alli can aid in weight loss, it does have side effects of which users should be aware.
Common Side Effects
According to drugs.com common side effects of Alli can include fatty diarrhea, bloating, loose stools, frequent bowel movements, unexpected bowel movements, gas with discharge and gastrointestinal upset. These side effects occur because Alli blocks the absorption of fat, so the undigested fat travels through the gastrointestinal tract until it is eliminated. Sometimes, it is quickly eliminated as diarrhea or a loose bowel movement.
Severe Side Effects
According to drugs.com Alli does have severe side effects like allergic reactions such as rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, and swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue.
Prepare for Side Effects
According to drugs.com, in clinical trials half of the participants that had gastrointestinal side effects that lasted less than one week. If you are unsure how Alli will effect you, try starting it on your day off, so you can be in close range of your bathroom. Also, you can wear protective adult underwear liners in case of accidental gas with discharge, or unexpected bowel movement.
Minimize Side Effects
To minimize the uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing side effects, try to limit the amount of fat you consume to 15 g total fat per meal. Read food labels and check the amount of total fat in all food items. Also try to limit your intake of fried foods, high fat meats, high fat dairy, butter, margarine, nuts, seeds, oils, peanut butter, baked goods, ice cream and candy, to help reduce the amount of fat you eat.
Warnings
According to Mayoclinic.com people who are at a healthy weight, take cyclosporine, have had an organ transplant or already have trouble absorbing food, should not take Alli. They recommend that people who have diabetes, or who take thyroid or blood thinning medications, check with their doctors to see if it is safe to use. Mayoclinic.com explains that since Alli reduces the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D and E, a daily multivitamin may be used to supplement the diet. They advise not taking the multivitamin at the same time as Alli.
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