What side effects are associated with Alli and HCG diet drops?

  • Q: What are the side effects for Alli and HCG diet drops?
  • A: Alli (orlistat) is an over-the-counter medicine that blocks some fat from being absorbed into the body. In combination with diet and exercise, Alli is used to treat obesity. The side effects of Alli are related to the drug's action to block fat and indicate the drug is working. These side effects include oily spotting/discharge in your undergarments, oily or fatty stools, orange or brown colored oil in your stool, gas with discharge, loose stools, an urgent need to go to the bathroom, an increased number of bowel movements, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rectal pain. These side effects may lessen as treatment is continued. Alli may also make it harder for your body to absorb the fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E, and K. Because of this effect, your doctor may recommend that you take vitamin and mineral supplements. Follow your doctor's instructions and take any supplement at least 2 hours before or after you take Alli. HCG stands for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and it is a hormone naturally produced in the body. It has many functions, most notably it is the pregnancy hormone. HCG allows the body to metabolize fat and use it as energy for both mother and fetus. The product sold as a weight loss supplement uses only a very small amount of the hormone and contains other natural ingredients. Products that are sold as dietary or nutritional supplements in the United States do not undergo the same detailed testing that prescription drug products do to show that they are safe and effective. Supplement products can be marketed without any reliable scientific evidence of health benefits as long as the companies selling them do not claim the supplements can prevent, treat, or cure any specific disease. With regard to manufacturing, some supplement products may not contain the amount of the herb or substance that is written on the label, and some may include other substances (contaminants). In addition, most supplements have not been tested to find out if they interact with medicines, foods, or other herbs and supplements. For more information, please contact your health care provider and visit http://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/alli. Michelle McDermott, PharmD
This question was answered on November 02, 2010.


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