Wrinkly
Recovering chocoholic.
Found this, thought i should warn everyone.
[SIZE=+1]Warning on Counterfeit Alli[/SIZE] FDA is warning the public about a potentially dangerous counterfeit version of the weight-loss drug Alli (orlistat). To date, all the counterfeits seem to have been sold on the internet. The genuine version of Alli, which is approved by FDA for over-the-counter use, contains a substance that prevents the absorption of fats from the diet.
The counterfeit Alli contains the stimulant drug sibutramine, which can cause potentially fatal side effects, particularly in people with a history of heart disease.
Sibutramine is an ingredient in an approved weight loss drug, but it is available only by prescription and must be used under the supervision of a physician. FDA tests have shown that people taking the counterfeit Alli in the dose specified on the package may be receiving several times the usual daily dose of sibutramine.
People taking Alli should check to be sure that they do not have the counterfeit version. Here are some things to look for:
• The counterfeit has a missing lot number on the outer cardboard packaging.
• The counterfeit has an expiration date that includes a month, day and year-the real Alli has only a month and year.
• The foil safety seal on the mouth of the counterfeit bottle has no writing-the seal on the real Alli says "Sealed for your protection."
• The counterfeit capsules contain a white powder-the real capsules contain small white pellets.
• The counterfeit version is packaged in a plastic bottle that has a slightly taller and wider cap than the real Alli, with coarser ribbing.
People who think they may have the counterfeit product should stop using it immediately and contact FDA's Office of Criminal Investigations at 1-800-551-3989. Anyone having side effects such as nausea, insomnia and an unusually fast or irregular heart beat, should contact their healthcare professional. This is especially important for people with a history of heart disease.
[SIZE=+1]Warning on Counterfeit Alli[/SIZE] FDA is warning the public about a potentially dangerous counterfeit version of the weight-loss drug Alli (orlistat). To date, all the counterfeits seem to have been sold on the internet. The genuine version of Alli, which is approved by FDA for over-the-counter use, contains a substance that prevents the absorption of fats from the diet.
The counterfeit Alli contains the stimulant drug sibutramine, which can cause potentially fatal side effects, particularly in people with a history of heart disease.
Sibutramine is an ingredient in an approved weight loss drug, but it is available only by prescription and must be used under the supervision of a physician. FDA tests have shown that people taking the counterfeit Alli in the dose specified on the package may be receiving several times the usual daily dose of sibutramine.
People taking Alli should check to be sure that they do not have the counterfeit version. Here are some things to look for:
• The counterfeit has a missing lot number on the outer cardboard packaging.
• The counterfeit has an expiration date that includes a month, day and year-the real Alli has only a month and year.
• The foil safety seal on the mouth of the counterfeit bottle has no writing-the seal on the real Alli says "Sealed for your protection."
• The counterfeit capsules contain a white powder-the real capsules contain small white pellets.
• The counterfeit version is packaged in a plastic bottle that has a slightly taller and wider cap than the real Alli, with coarser ribbing.
People who think they may have the counterfeit product should stop using it immediately and contact FDA's Office of Criminal Investigations at 1-800-551-3989. Anyone having side effects such as nausea, insomnia and an unusually fast or irregular heart beat, should contact their healthcare professional. This is especially important for people with a history of heart disease.
Thank you.
