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Diet Safety: Alli v. Orlistat

By Megan Roth

I wrote last on Alli – the FDA-approved, over-the-counter weight loss aid which is essentially a reduced dosage of the prescription drug Xenical.

I did some research on the drug and read up on both its pros and cons (yes, there are both). Curiosity got the best of me and I couldn’t help but wonder: what similarities exist between the effects of Alli and its prescription counterpart?

Well, we already know Alli is the over-the-counter, reduced dosage of Xenical (it’s given in 60 Mg capsules of Orlistat rather than 120 Mg capsules).

Both drugs are taken in pill form up to three times per day and are meant to be consumed at or within an hour of eating in order to block a certain percentage of the fat consumed. But how do they this work?

When taken when meals, Xenical attaches to the lipases (enzymes in your digestive system that break down fat) and prevents the breakdown of some of the fat consumed. By doing this, the fat is excreted rather than stored and, as a result, Xenical is able to block approximately 33% of fat consumed.

The process through which Alli works? It’s essentially one and the same. In lesser amounts, the drug also attaches to lipases and prevents the breakdown of fats; similar to Xenical, the drug passes the fats through your systems without allowing them to be digested so that they are immediately excreted.

Because Alli attaches in lesser amounts (as it works at approximately half the strength), it makes sense that its results are estimated at the equivalent to half of Xenical’s results (research has shown Xenical helps consumers drop an additional six pounds each year when combined with diet and exercise alone.

Thus, it can be assumed the use of Alli will allow consumers to drop three pounds more than they would with diet and exercise alone). But there’s the key: these drugs work when combined with diet and exercise. AND they are meant to promote gradual results, not “I-want-to-look-like-a-stick-person-by-next-month” type weight loss.

Despite the similarities between the two drugs, Alli claims there is one primary difference between it and Xenical; they provide an informational pack which they say is used by 80 percent of their patients and is significant enough to alter the effectiveness of the drug.

Another difference? The lesser dosage of Alli makes it more manageable and tolerable for users in terms of GI activities and negative side effects.

And another (and to me, the most pronounced)? The price! Both drugs are expensive considering their use; however, the OTC version is drastically cheaper than the prescribed, which generally isn’t covered by insurance. Ugh – these weight loss drugs can be draining (in more ways than one).

But research has shown that, despite the side effects, both drugs can be beneficial when used properly. Like any FDA-approved substance, the drugs are considered safe. However, the seal of approval doesn’t mean they should be used without precaution.

Both Xenical and Alli are tailored to affect only the digestive system; thus, they don’t affect the heart or the brain. However, it several cases these drugs have caused muscle pain and tenderness amongst its users. Pro? Orlistat doesn’t cause anxiety or sleeplessness. Con? It may cause increased weakness and unexplained aches.

Doesn’t sound so bad…but there are certain other, less-frequently-mentioned side effects that should be considered. For example, Xenical may cause depression, leg pain (which ties to the muscle aches and tenderness), swollen feet and tendonitis after the first year of use. Oh, and don’t forget to factor in the many other negative side effects which have already been highlighted when weighing out the situation (pun intended).

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Megan Roth

Full post as published by Des Moines Personal Injury Lawyer on January 04, 2009 (boomark / email).