My Alli is an over-the-counter lower dose version of the weight loss prescription pill orlistat. My Alli is meant to help overweight people who are having difficulty losing weight, according to MayoClinic.com. My Alli works by decreasing absorption of fat from the intestines. It disables lipase, the enzyme that breaks down fat so it can be absorbed. The unabsorbed fat continues to move through the intestines and is eliminated in the stool. It is taken with meals and each meal should not contain more than 15 grams of fat. However, My Alli can have side effects.
Anal Discharge
Gas with oily anal discharge can occur when taking My Alli. This occurs when patients do not limit the fat content in their meals. My Alli inhibits fat absorption and the excess fat is excreted in the stool. When patients over-indulge in fat, they may have an urgent need to use the bathroom and loose or more frequent stools that are hard to control. It may take trial and error to see exactly how much fat can be tolerated without side effects. These side effects, which occur in about 5 percent of patients, according to Drug.com, can be embarrassing and difficult to deal with, but are not life-threatening.
Liver Failure
Reports of liver failure have circulated regarding My Alli. According to Drugs.com, liver side effects have included elevated liver enzymes and hepatitis, which is inflammation of the liver. Post market adverse events reporting has included reports of jaundice, weakness and abdominal pain. The Food and Drug Administration has not established a link between My Alli and liver damage, according to Drugs.com.
Other Side Effects
Other side effects of My Alli have been reported. A female with type one diabetes was treated for diabetic ketoacidosis after taking My Alli. She was hydrated and given insulin and recovered. Another report of increased thirst, increased urination and lower leg edema was reported with the use of My Alli. The drug was discontinued and the symptoms resolved. Drugs.com also reports incidents of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.
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