What Are Side Effects Of Alli?
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 this medication. 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
- 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
- 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.
When Shouldn't You Take Alli?
Don't take Alli if you:
- Are at a healthy weight
- Are taking cyclosporine
- Have had an organ transplant
- Have problems absorbing food
The drug also may pose risks for anyone who takes blood-thinning medication or has diabetes or thyroid disease.
Orlistat decreases the absorption of certain fat-soluble vitamins — for example, vitamins A, D and E. If you're taking Alli, you need to take a daily vitamin supplement (at a time different from when you take Alli) to prevent potential nutrient deficiencies.