The FDA has given a warning to consumers about fake Alli weight loss pills sold online. These counterfeit pills have a different active ingredient that may interact bad with other medications. (Source: FDA.gov – Click Here to go to the FDA page).

Discovery of Counterfeit Alli Pills

The FDA first took notice after consumers sent some of these fake samples to GlaxoSmithKline (manufacturer of Alli). The FDA gave the warning on Monday, January 18, 2010. It said that the fake Alli pills don’t contain orlistat (but, there may be problems with Alli Pills, read below), which is the active ingredient in real over-the-counter Alli diet pills. Instead, they have a controlled substance known as sibutramine (a controlled appetite suppressant). Sibutramine should not be used with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or opioids.

Telling The Difference Between Real and Fake Alli Pills

The FDA warning states that the fake Alli bottles seem nearly identical to the real bottles. However, there are a few things that are different.

• Outer cardboard packaging missing a “Lot” code;
• Expiration date that includes the month, day, and year (e.g., 06162010); authentic Alli expiration date includes only the month and year (e.g.,: 05/12);
• The fake Alli bottles are slightly taller, andhave a wider cap with more coarse ribbing;
• The foil inner safety seal is blank without printed words. (The real Alli seal will state “SEALED for YOUR PROTECTION’ printed on the foil seal);
• The actual capsules are a little bit bigger than the authentic Alli pills, and they contain a white powder. (Real Alli pills contain small white pellets).

Problems With Real Alli?

The FDA is reviewing probable liver damage concerns with Alli, because of 32 reports of liver injury, including 27 people who were hospitalized, and six with liver failure. Common symptoms included jaundice, fatigue, and stomach pains. GlaxoSmithKline has refuted that there is any Alli liver damage side effect associated with their product.

Staying Safe

The first step, is when purchasing any diet pills online, make sure it is from a reputable source like Slimming.com or Amazon.com. In addition, you can sign-up for safety-alerts at the FDA site (Do this by clicking here).

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