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Counterfeit Med Alert

The FDA has been warning consumers about a counterfeit version of the popular over the counter weight loss drug Alli since January. The counterfeit medication is being sold on the internet. According to the FDA, it does not appear that the counterfeit medication has been sold in stores. Alli is a low-potency, over the counter version of the high potency prescription drug orlistat (Xenical). According to  GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) the makers of Alli, the counterfeit version of Alli does not appear to contain orlistat but instead contains the controlled substance (Meridia).  Counterfeit Alli  been linked to heart palpitations, high blood pressure, insomnia, nausea and anxiety. Further, because it contains sirbutraline, it can interact with certain medications.


The packaging looks deceptively similar to the real thing. However, there are a few tell-tale signs that indicate the product is a fake:


1. The ‘lot’ code is missing on the counterfeit product
2. The expiration date of the counterfeit product included the month, day and year. The expiration date of the authentic Alli product only has the month and year
3. The cap of the counterfeit product is slightly wider, taller and has coarser ribbing than the authentic product
4. The seal under the cap of the authentic product says, “Sealed for your protection”. The seal of the counterfeit product does not have any wording on it
5. The counterfeit product has large capsules filled with a white powder. The authentic product contains capsules filled with pellets.


There may still be counterfeit product available out there so exercise caution when shopping for Alli online. If you think you have purchased the counterfeit product you can contact the FDA at 800-551-3989.

 

 

Author: Christi Larson, Pharm. D.

Dr. Larson is a pharmacist, author of Empowered Medicine; A Guide for Consumers and creator of Empowered Medicine. You can read more about her by visiting www.EmpoweredMedicine.com and clicking on the 'About Us' tab.  EmpoweredMedicine.com is committed to providing evidence-based medical information from a pharmacist's point of view. 


(www.fda.gov , January 18, 2010)