Alli Weight Loss Capsules

Alli® works by blocking the absorption of about 25% of the fat you eat, which is then passed out of your body naturally.

This helps reduce calorie intake and supports weight loss.

No, Alli® is an over-the-counter medication available without a prescription.

Clinical studies show that for every 2kg you lose through dieting, Alli® can help you lose an additional 1kg when used as directed.

Take one Alli® capsule with each meal containing fat, up to three times per day. If you skip a meal or eat a fat-free meal, you do not need to take a capsule.

Alli® is suitable for adults with a BMI of 28 or higher who are committed to a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet.

It is not suitable for those under the age of 18, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those with certain medical conditions.

Alli (Orlistat) can interact with certain medication. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, even those not prescribed.

This is important as using more than one medicine at the same time can strengthen or weaken the effects of the medicines.

Alli (Orlistat) may modify the activity of:

• Anticoagulant drugs (e.g. warfarin). Your doctor may need to monitor your blood coagulation.
• Ciclosporin. Co-administration with ciclosporin is not recommended. Your doctor may need to monitor your ciclosporin blood levels more frequently than usual.
• Iodine salts and/or levothyroxine. Cases of hypothyroidism and/or reduced control of hypothyroidism may occur.
• Amiodarone. You may ask your doctor for advice.
• Medicines to treat HIV.
• Medicines for depression, psychiatric disorders or anxiousness

Alli may unbalance an anticonvulsant treatment, by decreasing the absorption of antiepileptic drugs, thus leading to convulsions. Please contact your doctor before starting treatment.

To minimise side effects, it’s important to follow a low-fat diet while using Alli®. Meals should contain no more than 15g of fat.

It’s not strictly contraindicated, but drinking alcohol while using Alli isn’t recommended if you’re aiming for effective weight loss. Alcohol contains high calories and fat, which can undermine your progress and make it harder to maintain your body weight.

Additionally, fatty meals paired with alcohol increase the chance of gastrointestinal side effects from Alli®, such as loose stools or urgent bowel movements, since the medication works by stopping some of the fat you eat from being absorbed. If you do choose to drink, moderation is key, and you should avoid doing so around the time you eat a meal high in fat.

As with all weight loss treatments, combining Alli® with healthy food, reduced alcohol intake, and exercise provides the best outcome for both weight loss and weight maintenance.

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody
gets them. Serious side effects are rare. These include:

• Severe allergic reaction. The signs of a severe allergic reaction include: severe breathing difficulties, sweating, rash, itching, swollen face, rapid heart beat, collapse. Stop taking the Alli capsules. Get medical help immediately.
• Bleeding from the back passage (rectum).
• Diverticulitis (inflammation of the large intestine). Symptoms may include
  lower stomach (abdominal) pain, particularly on the left side, possibly with
  fever and constipation.
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).Symptoms may include severe abdominal pain sometimes radiating towards the back, possibly with fever, nausea and vomiting.
• Skin blistering (including blisters that burst).
• Severe stomach pain caused by gallstones.
• Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver). Symptoms can include yellowing skin and eyes, itching, dark coloured urine, stomach pain and liver tenderness (indicated by pain under the front of the rib cage on your right hand side), sometimes with loss of appetite.
• Oxalate nephropathy (build up of calcium oxalate which may lead to kidney
  stones).

Stop taking the capsules and tell your doctor if you get any of these.

Always follow the directions for use and consult your GP or pharmacist if you have
concerns.

Most people start noticing results within the first 2-3 weeks, provided they follow a healthy diet and exercise plan.

Yes, Alli® capsules can play a supportive role in helping you maintain your body weight after initial weight loss. By continuing to prevent some dietary fat from being absorbed, it acts as a tool to help reduce calorie intake over time. However, for lasting success, Alli® should be part of a wider lifestyle change that includes balanced eating and regular physical activity.

While it’s not a substitute for healthy habits, using Alli during the maintenance phase may help prevent gradual weight regain. Continued use - up to 3 times a day with meals - alongside sustainable food choices and portion control, can keep you on track after reaching your goals.

You should not use Alli® alongside other weight-loss medications without consulting your GP or pharmacist.