The Calgary Sun - Over-the-counter diet pill OK'd for U.S.

The Calgary Sun - Over-the-counter diet pill OK'd for U.S.

Over-the-counter diet pill OK'd for U.S.

UPDATED: 2007-06-16 01:55:35 MST


By AP AND CP

WASHINGTON -- The first over-the-counter diet pill approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration goes on sale in the U.S. today.

Alli works by blocking the absorption of about one-quarter of any fat consumed.

In clinical trials, the FDA says people using Alli lost an additional two to three pounds for every five pounds lost through diet and exercise. But manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline is frank about some unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects, including gas, diarrhea, leakages and oily discharges.

The company is also taking a cautious marketing approach, emphasizing that people taking Alli also need to diet and exercise.

So far, Alli is not available in Canada. A GlaxoSmithKline official says the company plans to file for licence approval in Canada.