[Article updated: August 2023]
The Alli pill is a weight-loss medication. It belongs to the therapeutic class known as anti-obesity preparations.
It is therefore prescribed as part of a low-calorie, low-fat diet for adults with a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 28kg/m².
To order Alli online, visit the website of this approved pharmacy.
Orlistat, the active ingredient in the Alli pill
Orlistat is derived from lipstanin, a natural blocker of pancreatic lipases.
In the European Union, Orlistat is marketed in three authorized formulations.
Xenical 120mg, authorized in 1998 and marketed by F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.
Secondly, the Alli pill, in the form of 60mg Orlistat capsules, authorized in 2009 and marketed by Glaxo Group Limited.
Thirdly, there’s Alli again, but this time in 27mg tablets, authorized in 2010.
There are also other generic Orlistat-based products authorized in Europe.
How does the Alli pill work?
Orlistat is a powerful inhibitor of gastrointestinal lipases. It acts in particular on the stomach, small intestine and pancreas.
The results of several scientific studies have shown that taking Orlistat 60mg three times a day blocks the absorption of around 25% of dietary fat.
These fats pass through the digestive tract and are therefore evacuated naturally. They are therefore neither stored by the body nor converted into adipose tissue.
This action on dietary fat therefore helps to reduce daily calorie intake.
Orlistat affects nutrient metabolism and prevents the absorption of lipids without affecting appetite. This is how it helps you lose weight.
Composition of the Alli pill
As mentioned above, the active ingredient in Alli is Orlistat.
The capsule also contains the following inactive substances:
- Capsule content: Microcrystalline cellulose (E460), Carboxymethyl starch, Povidone (E1201), Sodium lauryl sulfate (E487), Talc (E553b).
- Capsule shell: Gelatin, Indigo carmine (E132), Titanium dioxide (E171), Sodium lauryl sulfate (E487), Sorbitan monolaurate (E432).
- Printing ink: Shellac (E904), Iron oxide (E172), Propylene glycol (E1520).
- Band : Gelatin, Polysorbate 80 (E433), Indigo carmine (E132).
Indication for the Alli pill
The first formulation (Xenical 120mg) is indicated for obese people with a BMI greater than or equal to 30, or overweight people with a BMI greater than or equal to 28.
It must be combined with a low-calorie diet, and requires a prescription and medical supervision.
Treatment with Orlistat should be discontinued after 12 weeks, if weight loss is less than 5% of baseline.
The other formulations (Alli 60 and 27mg) are indicated for overweight people (BMI = 28) and should be used as part of a moderately low-calorie, low-fat diet. Medical prescription is not required.
Dosage and directions for use
For the Alli pill, the recommended dosage is one 60mg capsule three times a day. It is forbidden to exceed this daily dose.
This capsule should be taken with a large glass of water (250ml). It can be taken before or during a main meal. It can also be taken up to an hour after the main meal.
As with other Orlistat-based products, this pill must be taken in conjunction with a moderately low-calorie, low-fat diet.
This diet should contain around 30% of calories from fat, and the daily intake of fat, protein and carbohydrates should be spread over the three main meals. An exercise program is strongly recommended.
This diet and exercise program must be maintained by the patient after stopping the treatment. The duration of treatment with Alli should not exceed 6 months.
Side effects and precautions for use
Alli treatment should be discontinued if the patient has not lost at least 5% of body weight after 12 weeks of use.
This pill is not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women.
As its efficacy and safety have not been proven in children under 18, it is not recommended for them.
People with impaired liver or kidney function should also consult a doctor before taking the Alli Pill or any other Orlistat-based product.
Since 2012, and following the appearance of certain cases of liver failure suspected to be caused by consumption of the Alli Pill, the EMA (European Medicines Agency) carried out several investigations.
As a result, this drug has undergone several changes to its composition over the course of its life.
Since its authorization in 2009, this pill has raised doubts about the risk of hepatic reactions. The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) was tasked with verifying this probable link.
The CMHP concluded that taking Orlistat-based drugs enables clinically relevant weight loss.
Regarding the risks, the CMHP considered that the benefits of these drugs outweigh the risks associated with their current indication.
On the other hand, the CMHP recommended modifying the terms of Alli’s marketing authorization, but not its cancellation.
Before you buy
If you opt for self-medication and want to buy the Alli pill, then you should be aware that there are certain provisions to be complied with and conditions to be checked in order to avoid any risks and harmful side effects.
To help you, take a look at the information sheet sent to pharmacists by the ANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé), which sets out the conditions to be met before prescribing Alli to a patient. Before you buy Alli, take the time to read this information sheet in detail and answer the questions it contains.
If you have any doubts on any point, we advise you to consult a doctor before starting to use it.
Alli Pill: Price
The online price is $101.29 for a bottle of 84 tablets.
Where to buy Alli, the original product?
The Alli pill is a non-prescription medication, so you can find it over the counter.
The pill is sold in pharmacies, drugstores and, of course, online on specialized sites.
If you buy online, please beware of counterfeit or dubious sites, as well as counterfeit products, which can be dangerous.
To find out more and order, visit the website of this approved pharmacy.
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