FDA Approves First Non-Prescription Sale of Diet Pill
(Washington, AP, 2/7/07)

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the over-the-counter sale of a reduced-strength version of the weight-loss drug orlistat. When taken with meals, orlistat causes a fourth of dietary fat to pass through the bowels unabsorbed. In trials, this fat-blocking effect translated into the loss of an additional two to three pounds for every five pounds dropped through diet and exercise. This new non-prescription form of the drug, which GlaxoSmithKline PLC, calls “Alli,” contains half the dose of the original prescription medication, Xenical. The FDA notes that the pill is effective only when used with diet and exercise and may produce side effects, including loose stools and oily spotting.