Alli general information

The active ingredient in alli attaches to some of the natural enzymes in the digestive system, preventing them from breaking down
about a quarter of the fat you eat. Undigested fat cannot be absorbed and passes through the body naturally. The excess fat is not harmful. In fact, you may recognize it in the toilet as something that looks like the oil on top of a pizza.

Because of the way in which alli works, eating meals with too much fat may cause side effects known as treatment effects.

alli only works on enzymes that break down fat, not on other enzymes. So carbohydrates and proteins are not affected. You still absorb those nutrients. But, since fat grams have more than twice as many calories as carbs and proteins, alli capsules work on the worst offenders - the calorie-dense fat grams.

Alli may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Alli dosage and administration

Take Alli exactly as directed on the label, or as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Alli comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Alli is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Your daily intake of fat, protein, and carbohydrates should be evenly divided over all of your daily meals. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

Take Alli with a full glass of water. Take Alli during or within 1 hour after a meal that contains some fat (no more than 30% of the calories for that meal). Alli is usually taken 3 times daily.

If you skip a meal or you eat a meal that does not contain any fat, skip your Alli dose for that meal.

The fat content of your daily diet should not be greater than 30% of your total daily caloric intake. For example, if you eat 1200 calories per day, no more than 360 of those calories should be in the form of fat.

Alli side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction:

hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking Alli  and call your doctor at once if you have severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, and a fast heart rate. These could be signs of pancreatitis.

The following side effects occur commonly with the use of Alli . They are the natural effects of Alli's fat-blocking action and are actually signs that the medication is working properly. These side effects are usually temporary and may lessen as you continue treatment with Alli:

• oily spotting in your undergarments;
• oily or fatty stools;
• orange or brown colored oil in your stool;
• gas with discharge, an oily discharge;
• loose stools, or an urgent need to go to the bathroom, inability to control bowel movements;
• an increased number of bowel movements;
• or stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rectal pain.

Other side effects that may occur while taking Alli include:

• problems with your teeth or gums;
  
• cold or flu symptoms;
• headache, back pain;
• or skin rash or itching.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.