Severe liver damage with Orlistat (Xenical, Alli) (August 2010)

The marking of the drug orlistat weight loss will have the new safety information regarding rare cases of serious liver damage in patients taking this drug. Orlistat is available by prescription as Xenical in 120 mg strength, and over the counter as Alli sold in 60 mg. This action is the result of a recently completed FDA, that thirteen cases of severe liver injury with orlistat as a period of about ten years identified. A case in the United States, have participated in twelve cases and AlliXenical abroad participated. During the same period, an estimated 40 million people around the world Alli Xenical or used. Although there is no evidence that orlistat causes liver damage, patients should be instructed to contact their doctor if they experience symptoms of liver dysfunction. These include itching, yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, or loss of appetite. If liver damage is suspected, physicians should advise patients to stop takingOrlistat immediately. Health professionals and consumers should report the side effects of Xenical and Alli by the FDA MedWatch program.