Alli & Metformin

Metformin is a prescription medication used primarily to treat type II diabetes. Type II diabetes is exacerbated by being overweight. If you are struggling to lose weight and suffer from type II diabetes, you may be considering taking Alli, an over-the-counter weight loss medication, to help with your efforts. Consult your physician prior to taking any new medication.

Alli

Alli, the trade name for the weight-loss medication Orilstat, works by inhibiting the enzyme lipase, which is responsible for breaking down the fat you eat so it can be absorbed by your body. By inhibiting lipase you absorb less fat and therefore fewer calories, leading to weight loss. Alli should only be used in conjunction with a low fat diet and exercise program.

Metformin

Metformin is a prescription medication used to treat type II diabetes. Metformin works by decreasing the amount of glucose your body absorbs from the food you eat and the amount of glucose manufactured by your liver. Metformin increases your body's response to insulin and helps your body maintain healthy blood glucose levels. Sometimes metformin alone is not enough to manage diabetes and may be prescribed with insulin.

Alli and Metformin

Alli and metformin do not contraindicate one another and are not known to have any interactions. As long as no other medication or medical conditions prohibits either medication, Alli and metformin can generally be used safely together. Although metformin does not require you to consume a specific diet, Alli requires you to consume a low fat diet. Taking Alli while eating too much fat can lead to a variety of unpleasant side effects, including flatulence with an oily discharge and abdominal cramping.

Considerations

Many low fat foods use sugar to replace the flavor lost by reducing the food's fat content. Managing diabetes requires you to consume a diet low in sugar and Alli requires you to consume a diet low in fat. Read food labels to ensure that your food contains a suitable amount of fat and sugar. Consult a dietitian if you are struggling to eat a healthy and balanced diet.

References

• "Focus on Nursing Pharmacology"; Amy Morrison Karch; 2009
• "Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses"; Judi Deglin, et al.; 2010
• "Mayo Clinic Essential Diabetes Book"; Mayo Clinic; 2009