Alli -- orlistat -- is a non-prescription drug approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for weight loss. Alli changes the way your body digests fat from food, which when used as part of a healthy diet and exercise plan, can lead to loss of pounds and inches. Though Alli is FDA-approved as safe for most people, side effects, including abdominal effects, may occur.
Abdominal Cramping
Alli blocks the amount of fat that your body absorbs from the food that you eat. Blocked fat is expelled in your stool. Fat in your stool may irritate the gastrointestinal system and trigger intestinal spasms, abdominal cramping and diarrhea. You'll need to follow a low-fat diet while taking Alli; eating foods with more than 30 percent fat content may cause symptoms to worsen. Drugs.com reports that these symptoms are generally transient and subside with continued Alli use.
Complications
Abdominal pain and cramping that becomes increasingly worse or does not subside may indicate a more serious Alli-related side effect. Alli may affect other organs in the abdominal area, including the liver, pancreas and kidneys. The United States Food and Drug Administration added a warning to Alli's consumer label in 2010 about the risk of sudden liver injury from Alli use. The liver is in your right upper abdomen and extends slightly across your middle just below the rib cage. You may experience pain in the upper abdomen if your liver becomes affected, as well as dark-colored urine, intense bodily itching and yellowing of the whites of the eyes, according to the FDA.
Your pancreas may swell from Alli. The pancreas is responsible for secreting bile and enzymes that break down fat. Pain may develop in your upper abdomen or around the stomach or radiate to the middle of your back or behind the left shoulder blade with pancreatitis. Mayo Clinic warns that Alli may also increase your risk of developing kidney stones. Kidney stones are small mineral deposits that build up in the urinary system, causing pain in the lower abdomen, flanks or lower back.
Other Side Effects
Alli may cause other gastrointestinal side effects along with abdominal cramps or pain. You may experience greasy rectal discharge caused by fat moving through your intestinal system. Bowel movements may be difficult to control, and you may notice an increase in the frequency of bowel movements. Increased flatulence, nausea and rectal pain may also occur.
Contraindications
Your past medical history may indicate whether taking Alli is safe for you. Some medical conditions may increase side effects or put you at risk for complications. Alli may not be safe if you have a history of kidney stones, gallstones or thyroid disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. Speak with your physician before beginning Alli to ensure it is safe and get advice on side effects and when to seek medical attention.
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