US Pharm. 2010;35(2):8.
Rockville, MD — The FDA has issued a warning regarding counterfeit versions of the OTC weight loss product Alli. The fake 60-mg capsules (120-count refill kit) contain the drug sibutramine, and not the active ingredient orlistat. Sibutramine (Meridia) is a prescription-only appetite suppressant that, based on new FDA warnings, should not be used in certain patient populations, such as those with a history of cardiovascular disease, and may cause adverse interactions with other medications. GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of Alli, has determined that the look-alikes were sold over the Internet and not in retail stores. Consumers and health care professionals should report any suspected counterfeits to the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigation and any adverse events to the FDA’s MedWatch Program.
