My Alli is the name of the official website established by GlaxoSmithKline for their weight-loss product, Alli. Sold over-the-counter for use by adults over age 18, Alli is a reduced-dose version of a prescription drug, Xenical. Alli, like other diet aids, is designed for use in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise plan.
Orlistat
The active ingredient in Alli, orlistat, comes in a 60 mg dose. This is half the dose of the prescription version of orlistat, Xenical. Orlistat works by blocking the action of lipase, an enzyme, on fat in the intestine. Normally lipase breaks down fat for absorption and use in your body. Blocking the action of lipase lets fat pass undigested and unabsorbed through the intestines. You should take Alli with meals that contain fat, but limit dietary fat of each meal to 15 g to decrease the potential side effects of Alli, advises Donald Henrud, M.D., of the Mayo Clinic. Side effects of orlistat can include gas with an oily discharge that can stain or leak through clothes, fatty or oily stool, urgent need to have a bowel movement, bowel incontinence, increased number of bowel movements, and stomach and rectal pain.
According to U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports, orlistat may cause liver damage in some cases. Studies have not established a definite connection, but you should report signs of liver damage -- such as yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, darker than normal urine, weakness or fever -- to your medical practitioner immediately, recommends Henrud.
Inactive Ingredients
Alli contains a number of inactive ingredients that bind the drug together and act as filler. These include FD&C Blue No. 2 dye, which gives the pill its color; gelatin, which forms the capsule; microcrystalline cellulose; povidone; sodium lauryl sulfate; sodium starch glycolate type A potato; talc; and titanium dioxide, Drugs.com reports.
Support Products
In addition to the Alli capsules, the Alli starter pack offered on the My Alli website contains a carrying case, which can hold several Alli capsules, and six reference booklets: a welcome guide, a companion guide, a calorie and fat counter, a daily journal, a healthy eating guide and a set of quick facts cards. The starter pack also supplies access to a personalized online program that helps you adjust to the diet plan. Further, the website provides a discussion forum for online support and information from other people taking Alli.
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