Alli is the first FDA-approved, over-the-counter weight loss medication. Although this medication does not require a prescription like some other weight loss medications, it still is a medication and may cause adverse side effects for some individuals. One of these side effects is stomach pain. If you are concerned about the stomach pain you experience while taking Alli, talk to your doctor.
About Alli
Alli works differently than other weight loss medications. While some prescription medications work by stimulating the central nervous system to increase the amount of calories you burn, Alli works by blocking fat from being absorbed and stored in your body. Because of this, Alli may produce side effects that are quite different from other weight loss medications.
Stomach Pain
In clinical studies, stomach pain was the most commonly reported side effect of people taking Alli. In fact, up to 20.1 percent of all people who took Alli experienced this effect. Although stomach pain is common, it also may indicate a serious medical condition. Stomach pain that is located on the upper-right abdominal area may indicate liver damage, especially if accompanied by unusual itching, yellow skin or eyes, light-colored stool, dark urine or a loss of appetite. Severe stomach pain is also a reason for concern. Call your doctor if you are unsure whether the stomach pain you are experiencing is normal.
Other Side Effects
Alli may produce a number of other side effects, as well. Up to 18.8 percent of people in clinical trials felt an urgent but controlled need to have a bowel movement, while uncontrollable anal oil seepage occurred in up to 17.7 percent of people. Regular gas occurred in up to 18.6 percent of people, while gas with a small amount of oil or stool occurred in 17.2 percent of people. Up to 11.9 percent experienced diarrhea, 11.6 percent experienced bowel movements of just oil and up to 10.1 percent experienced soft stool when having a bowel movement. Up to 10.6 percent of people also reported a sinus infection while taking this medication. Other common side effects of Alli include back pain, increased frequency of bowel movements and spontaneous, uncontrollable bowel movements. These occurred in 3 percent to 10 percent of people during clinical trials.
Considerations
You are more likely to experience stomach pain and other side effects of Alli if you consume too much fat in your diet. Reducing the amount of fat you consume decreases your risk of side effects. Although the side effects of Alli are generally harmless and controllable through dietary changes, they can be unpleasant and potentially embarrassing. If you find the side effects of Alli too difficult or undesirable, consider alternative weight loss methods. Dietary and lifestyle changes may be just as effective as Alli, but are unlikely to cause any side effects.
