Alli: First OTC Diet Pill

The FDA issued its first ever approval for an over-the-counter (OTC) diet pill – Alli, the marketing name for the generic drug orlistat. It is a reduced strength version of the prescription drug Xenical.

Alli is expected to be available in stores nationwide by summer and the price, not yet final, is projected to be less than two dollars per day. It is only approved for those age 18 and older. The recommended dose of alli is one 60 mg capsule three times a day with meals containing fat. The FDA approval says, "the most common side effect of the product is a change in bowel habits, which may include loose stools. Eating a low fat diet will reduce the likelihood of this side effect."

Senior citizens and others with diabetes, thyroid disease or taking blood thinning medicine should consult with their physician before using it.

Taken at meal-time, alli works by blocking about 25% of the fat in the food. It must be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet containing about 15 grams of fat per meal. The GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare says it selected "alli" as the brand name because it conveys the concept of partnership with consumers in their weight-loss efforts. To help consumers get off to a successful start, the alli package will include Welcome and Companion Guides, a Guide to Healthy Eating, a Daily Journal, a Calorie and Fat Counter, Quick Fact Cards, and free access to an individualized online action plan at myalli.com to follow an "appealing, reduced-calorie, low-fat diet," says the company.