Is Alli Available Over the Counter?

Alli is an over-the-counter form of the diet drug Xenical or Orlistat. FDA approved for weight loss, Alli can be purchased online or at your local pharmacy without a prescription. If you’re dieting and would like some help on your journey, you may want to learn more about Alli. Consider the pros and cons of this popular and safe diet drug.

History

Alli was FDA approved for over the counter use in 2007, about eight years after the prescription version came onto the market. Alli is approved for the treatment of weight loss in adults eating a reduced calorie, low-fat diet. Unlike most over-the-counter diet aids, Alli has a long history of success as a weight-loss drug and comes with only minimal health risks.

Function

Alli works by blocking a portion of dietary fat, working primarily in the intestines. Rather than being absorbed by the body, this fat is passed through the bowel unchanged. Combined with a low fat, reduced calorie diet, Alli may boost weight loss by as much as 50 percent.

Effects

According to GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of Alli, the drug produces a number of rather displeasing treatment effects. These effects are magnified and substantially worse if you cheat on the recommended low-fat diet. Treatment effects of both prescription Xenical and over-the-counter Alli include excess gas, diarrhea, loose and urgent bowel movements, and oily, uncontrollable anal discharge.

Warning

While the treatment effects of Alli are inconvenient and unpleasant, they pose no actual health risk. Alli may, however, impede the absorption of some nutrients and may be a poor choice for those at risk of nutrient deficiencies. You should not take Alli if you take cyclosporin or have had an organ transplant. If you have pancreatitis, kidney stones or gallbladder problems, you should speak with your physician before taking Alli.

Features

When you buy Alli at your local pharmacy, you’ll receive not only the medication but also information about a reduced calorie and low-fat eating plan. You can access recipes, meal plans and support online at MyAlli.com. Sticking to the recommended calorie and fat counts is critical to prevent gastrointestinal effects.