Alli (Orlistat) is an over-the-counter medication used to aid weight loss in overweight adults. The medicine is often used in combination with a reduced-calorie and low-fat diet. Losing excess weight lowers the risk of severe health conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. It also helps improve existing conditions like high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and joint problems. The active ingredient in Alli is Orlistat. Orlistat belongs to a class of medications known as lipase inhibitors. It works in the digestive tract by blocking the action of lipase, an enzyme that breaks down dietary fat. By blocking this enzyme, about 25% of the fat consumed is not absorbed by the body and is passed in bowel movements, aiding weight loss.

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Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Alli. The most common side effects of Alli may include the following:
• Frequent bowel movements;
• Gas with oily discharge;
• Oily stools

Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Blood in urine, painful, or difficult urination;
• Severe stomach pain;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat

These are not all of Alli's side effects. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.

You should not use Alli if you are allergic to Orlistat or any ingredient in Alli. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant;
• Have an eating disorder;
• Have an underactive thyroid;
• Have gallbladder disease;
• Have gallbladder problems;
• Have had an organ transplant;
• Have kidney disease;
• Have kidney stones;
• Have liver disease;
• Have pancreatitis

Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Alli and other medicines, such as amiodarone, insulin, warfarin, levothyroxine, metformin, etc. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Weight loss is not recommended in pregnancy, even if you are overweight. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Taking Orlistat may make it harder for your body to absorb specific vitamins, which are essential when nursing a baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breastfeeding a baby.

Use this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Alli is a capsule. Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break it. Take this medicine with food that contains fat. You may take the medicine with your meal or up to 1 hour after eating. If your meal does not contain any fat, skip your Alli dose for that meal. However, avoid a high-fat diet. Taking high-fat meals with Orlistat can increase your risk of unpleasant side effects. Alli is only part of a complete program of treatment that includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Orlistat can make it harder for your body to absorb specific vitamins. You may need to take a vitamin and mineral supplement while you are taking Orlistat. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type of supplement to use. Take the supplement at bedtime, or at least 2 hours before or after you take Alli. Store this drug at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep out of the reach of children.

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