Alli (Xenical) - the new over-the-counter weight loss drug

[lawsofnature]

Boots now has Alli - the new over-the-counter weight loss medication - on pre-order. I imagine a huge advertising campaign will be coming soon.

I wanted to let others know (if you aren't already aware) Alli is a rebranded version of Xenical which is available on the NHS from your GP at the standard prescription price of £7.10 (the chemical name is Orlistat).

Alli is half the dosage of Xenical, and costs a whopping £49.95 for a month's supply.

Most clinical trials concerning the efficacy of the drug use the standard dose (not the half dose provided by Alli), so it's questionable just how effective this drug is in its over-the-counter version.

I've been looking into this drug because I was thinking of taking it to help my weight loss efforts (but decided against because of the side-effects), but if any dieters are thinking of taking it, try visiting your GP first, there is no guarantee that they will give you the drug, but it may save you a lot of money!!


(I'm not sure if this is in the correct forum section ...)

[withabix]

Alli is half the dosage of Xenical, and costs a whopping £49.95 for a month's supply.



Genuine Alli is approx 40% cheaper on eBay.co.uk from USA sellers including delivery, as it is much cheaper in the USA as usual. 150 tablets (7 weeks supply) will cost approx £40 inc delivery.

Turns up in about a week.

I suspect that eBay prices will fall now it is available over the counter in the UK.

[lawsofnature]

You're right is is cheaper elsewhere, I've just found it for 44 dollars on a US site, which just shows what a royal rip-off it is here.

I should clarify, the price I stated is what Boots is selling it at on pre-order.

I'm a bit nervous about buying from ebay because there are so many fake drugs on the market.

[Mrembo]

Watch this first http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00jz1kq/Professor_Regans..._Diet_Clinic/ before you buy the drugs

[Mojisola]

If you buy stuff from USA above the value of 18.00GBP, you will be charged duty and then charged again by the Post Office for collecting the duty. Remember to add that to the cost of the goods before deciding to buy.

[Stompa]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/5182493/Miracle-diet-pills-no-substitute-for-healthy-lifestyle-doctors-warn.html

[A little stressed!!]

Is it true you need a BMI of over 28? Where can I find the facts on this? My BMI is 25, but thats because I have a small frame - with ALOT of fat!!!

[moneysaving pharmacist]

Is it true you need a BMI of over 28? Where can I find the facts on this? My BMI is 25, but thats because I have a small frame - with ALOT of fat!!!

Its in the marketing authorisation for the product (basically what the product can be sold for). Pharmacists can sell products outside their marketing authorisation, but their liability increases if anything goes wrong - so it is unusual for a pharmacist to sell something outside its MA.

see http://www.rpsgb.org/pdfs/otcorlistatguid.pdf?dm_i=EQ,WPQ,1SF4D,1XI0,1

[harriette84]

I was worried about buying the drug online, but I was advised that I should look for online offers that have been approved by the "Royal Pharmaceutical Society".
Looking in the paper today, Lloydspharmacy are selling alli online from today and their website is approved.

I'm not sure how much it costs, but I would rather pay a little extra for the piece of mind!

[grey_lady]

Amazon US site has pages of reviews on this, I only had a quick glance but they all seemed pretty positive, be good to hear from someone here who has tried it.

[rednose66]

Mmmmmm Xenical........... dangerous stuff. One of my ex colleagues had a devastatingly embarassing experience at a neighbours house. A combination of too much beer and curry made him a rather windy and not thinking he thought he would release said wind............. anyone using Xenical will be aware of what can happen in such situations. Suffice to say that the neighbours white sofa was ruined as was the friendship.....

Naah I will stick to my dieting rather! :)

[onetomany]

im on it ? there is some nasty side effects

[onetomany]

why isnt the people going to their doctors to get it prescribe? instead of looking at buying it?

[BPO]

I was worried about buying the drug online, but I was advised that I should look for online offers that have been approved by the "Royal Pharmaceutical Society".
Looking in the paper today, Lloydspharmacy are selling alli online from today and their website is approved.

I'm not sure how much it costs, but I would rather pay a little extra for the piece of mind!


Hello,
Sally here from Boots. I've been reading your concerns about buying alli from a reputable source and wanted to let you know that you can buy it online via the Boots pharmacy, which is also approved by The Royal Pharmaceutical Society - for your peace of mind!
Thanks.

[rednose66]

im on it ? there is some nasty side effects

It errrrrrrrrrr makes your tummy work - thats how the fat exits your system without being absorbed.

[onetomany]

i just dont want people to think like i did its a easy option , im sick in the morning i dont have control of my blader, kids say i stink all the time and i have to wear a incontinent pad nice hey? oh and im scared to have coffee etc out incase it needs to come out! just of to the gym now for my introduction but im worried incase i have a accident sorry if i sound harsh

[rednose66]

i just dont want people to think like i did its a easy option , im sick in the morning i dont have control of my blader, kids say i stink all the time and i have to wear a incontinent pad nice hey? oh and im scared to have coffee etc out incase it needs to come out! just of to the gym now for my introduction but im worried incase i have a accident sorry if i sound harsh

Xenical did that to you? I know that it makes your tummy go but I didnt think it affected your bladder as well?

[ELLA]

I gather it won't be any good for IBS suffered like me ;-)

[onetomany]

Xenical did that to you? I know that it makes your tummy go but I didnt think it affected your bladder as well?
well kinda come out both ends its not sold its fat and it stains lol so need a pad, im not saying that its crap im just saying its not the easy opption

[Princess kate]

I bought this online about a year ago, thought it would make dieting that little bit easier or help me lose that little bit more to keep me going....goodness, I lasted only a few days. It was horrible stuff!

Made me feel awful & the ease that stuff left my body was enough to stop me taking it straight away, you cant leak fats from as well as posted above oher things!! with no waning!

I have since started slimming world, 7 weeks ago & have lost 13 pound, HEALTHILY!!!

I would tell anyone NOT to try this drug!

[geri1965]

I gather it won't be any good for IBS suffered like me ;-)

I also have IBS - it doesn't bear thinking about! :eek:

[annie_d]

Geri...i have IBS..i tried it, i thought i was dying! Spurred me on though to lose weight and i tried Cambridge and it worked for me. IBS a MILLION times better.
p.s. Nice sig!

[rednose66]

im not saying that its crap

There is no shortage of that on Xenical. I have to say. :D My reactions werent as extreme but I knew that I couldnt pass wind in safety on Xenical. As I posted elsewhere my ex colleague will never forget his Xenical experience! :rotfl:

[dolally]

I am on xenical and have found it brilliant. My doctor explained that it should be used in conjunction with a low fat diet and I haven't really had too many side effects. A couple of nasty toilet trips if I have been letting my diet slide have been good reminders to behave!!

I have lost two stone so far and it is definitely not the easy option as you still need to diet and exercise, it is more of a back up.

Edited to say I get it on prescription for £4 a month (scotland)

[onetomany]

I am on xenical and have found it brilliant. My doctor explained that it should be used in conjunction with a low fat diet and I haven't really had too many side effects. A couple of nasty toilet trips if I have been letting my diet slide have been good reminders to behave!!

I have lost two stone so far and it is definitely not the easy option as you still need to diet and exercise, it is more of a back up.

Edited to say I get it on prescription for £4 a month (scotland)
how long have you been on it?

[dolally]

I am just at the end of my second month.

[onetomany]

how you getting on? do you mind if i ask how much you have lost? ive been on it for 2 weeks and i have lost 4lbs!

[dolally]

how you getting on? do you mind if i ask how much you have lost? ive been on it for 2 weeks and i have lost 4lbs!


Hi, well done :D I am at 2 months & two stone down so far but I have a fair bit to lose and have been very good and throwing some exercise in for good measure :D

I expect I shall slow down on the weight loss front now though as I normally shift it well to begin within and then it slows down (& I normally give up!!) I am hoping being on Xenical will motivate me to keep going though which is really why I am taking it.

[lrr]

Not a pleasant thing to try and certainly a nightmare if you like to be sociable or your friends need to use your toilet....

Never again!

[Pennylane]

I am on xenical and have found it brilliant. My doctor explained that it should be used in conjunction with a low fat diet and I haven't really had too many side effects. A couple of nasty toilet trips if I have been letting my diet slide have been good reminders to behave!!

I have lost two stone so far and it is definitely not the easy option as you still need to diet and exercise, it is more of a back up.

Edited to say I get it on prescription for £4 a month (scotland)


I know a couple of people who have been on it via their GPs and one has lost 4 stones and feels fine and the other only used it for a few weeks because of the "accidents". Mind you she did NOT follow the advice on the leaflet which is to avoid fatty foods. So it's her own fault really.

It is not a miracle cure and you have to take regular and plentiful exercise alongside a low fat diet. It's the "hidden" fats in foods which it is supposed to remove. You have to have a BMI over 28 to be given it at a chemists and they explain it all to you in detail.

[onetomany]

Hi, well done :D I am at 2 months & two stone down so far but I have a fair bit to lose and have been very good and throwing some exercise in for good measure :D

I expect I shall slow down on the weight loss front now though as I normally shift it well to begin within and then it slows down (& I normally give up!!) I am hoping being on Xenical will motivate me to keep going though which is really why I am taking it.
well done hun xxxxxxxxx

[lab-lover]

I gather it won't be any good for IBS suffered like me ;-)
my thoughts exactly:D

[b3nton]

Why do people keep chasing the elusive 'magic pill' to lose weight?
As they say, just get off your bum 3 times a week and stick to 3 meals a day and NO snacks. That's it! https://www.smileyserver.com/i21-14.jpg

[Sweetpeanut]

Mmmmmm Xenical........... dangerous stuff. One of my ex colleagues had a devastatingly embarassing experience at a neighbours house. A combination of too much beer and curry made him a rather windy and not thinking he thought he would release said wind............. anyone using Xenical will be aware of what can happen in such situations. Suffice to say that the neighbours white sofa was ruined as was the friendship.....

Naah I will stick to my dieting rather! :)
thats exactly what happened to me, id been into town to pay for my honeymoon, strolling leisurely, when i felt the need to let a little bottom burp out, there i was 10mins from my house, not only did i fart but the oil/fat come out with it, all over my beige linen pants, the horror!! (felt like i'd sxxt my self) and that was not the only accient on these tablets, in my opinion ther not worth the money, stained clothes or the shear embaressment, and i lost nothing!! so please save your money and try healthier eating:D:D:D

[strawberry laces]

I started it today. I'm on the prescription strength (120 mg) how long before I start seeing side effects;).

Thanks

[ames100]

i have pcos and so its not the fat my body sticks to but carbs due to the insulin resistance part so i started a low carb diet in feb of this yr and lost 15lbs but got stuck. because a low carb diet doesnt leave much else to eat but fat i ordered alli off of chemistdirect.com 1 moth for £30 something. on day 3 and starting to see the side effects.

not nasty but not pleasent as the fat has to come out somewhere so its like pooping pure grease. i know not the loveliest thing to talk about but i think people should be aware of what they could face.

so they do work and i think this side effect will subside when you lower the fat in your diet its like a reminder you are eating too much fat but at the end of the month i will report back

so im on low carb, low fat and alli 3 times daily

[onetomany]

ive dont seem to be having any side effects for the last couple of day but have been eating lot fat

[tiamaria]

I was telling OH about teh side effects of this pill, he was wondering if you took Imodium at the same time then perhaps you wouldnt get them:rotfl:

[tsteve]

Work out your bmr drop it by 500 cals a day lose a pound of fat a week .
a pound of fat is 3500 cals.
I haven't read uu on this ,but a supplement called Chitosan .
Which is does a simuilar job to Ali Exanicle.
I think long term about a year you can expect to lose about 5% bodyfat.
So to lose and maintain your ideal weight is lifelong change in diet(eatinng plans)
Remember what Peter Kay says - cakes seconds on the lips forever on the hips.
Chips take away the C what do you get ? Hips.
One pill you can buy or makeyourself for abo
uta fiver a week is E C A

Chtitosan an otc supplement is cheap to buy what mg you need to take to get the eqiverlent dose as Ali
I do'nt know but I bet it works out cheaper. A GIRL WHO TOOK exenicle said it worked because she said if she ate cream cakes etc or to much fat .She would suffer the conseqenses later well her bowls/pants would .If you know what I mean.

[Kentmumof1]

I just got these yesterday, hows anyone else doing whos just started do you have any tips, what things especially NOT to eat ??
Im going to go shopping tonight for low fat foods and start them tomorrow with a bit of luck
thanks
natasha

[A little stressed!!]

How would you go about getting this from your Dr? Obviously alot cheaper, but do you have to meet stricter requirements? Like higher BMI, natural weight loss goals etc? More moneysaving than shelling out, but don't want 2 waste my time if they're just going to say "eat more lettuce" rather than dealing out the poo pills!

[simplepete]

i've not read this whole thread but thought i'd contribute as my dr prescribed me this last year.
you HAVE to eat an incredibly low fat diet whilst on the pills as your body doesnt absorb the fat youre eating; therefore anything fatty you eat will leave you with nasty nasty results.
I lived on cucumber, grilled chicken, sweet potato, and the like, and still ended up with what can only be described as the contents of a deep fat fryer in my knickers! its oily and fatty and really really nasty. it stains your underwear, trousers, and bedsheets.
I didnt lose any weight from the pills and had to stop them after a few months. i couldnt drink alcohol because they gave me the same problem, and i just felt that they were being used as more of a discipline tool to make me eat healthily.
im not a huge heiffer, im 5ft 3 and around 12 stones, but until a few years ago was 7/8 stones.

these pills need to be taken with extreme care, and if youre using them, take a few pairs of underwear spare with you wherever you go!

[ebaybaby]

There is so much mis-information on this thread I though I should post.
I was on xenical from Jan 09 - Mar 09 (I came off it as Ive had other probs, but Im about to go back on it)
In that time I lost 1st 1/2lb. No side effects at all, because I stuck to the plan. If you are getting accidents it is because you probably ate to much fat the night before....simple. The accidents are a reminder not to abuse it.
The small amount of fat you are allowed should come out normally in a stool.
Im looking foward to taking mine again now Ive got my other health probs sorted.

[Penny35]

There is so much mis-information on this thread I though I should post.
I was on xenical from Jan 09 - Mar 09 (I came off it as Ive had other probs, but Im about to go back on it)
In that time I lost 1st 1/2lb. No side effects at all, because I stuck to the plan. If you are getting accidents it is because you probably ate to much fat the night before....simple. The accidents are a reminder not to abuse it.
The small amount of fat you are allowed should come out normally in a stool.
Im looking foward to taking mine again now Ive got my other health probs sorted.

You can lose that much weight in that space of time following a diet such as slimming world without any nasty side effects.

[ebaybaby]

You can lose that much weight in that space of time following a diet such as slimming world without any nasty side effects.

Maybe you can, but some people dont like going to slimming clubs or have "done that got the tee-shirt".

I repeat, there should be NO nasty side effects IF you follow the plan correctly.

[A little stressed!!]

Can I ask what your starting weight was? (PM me if you prefer) just so I know what to expect. I bought the 2weeks starter pack today, I plan to diet with the pills, then when they've run out carry on dieting without. I just need a kick start to get me into it and the threat of carping myself will keep me eating well, then I'll find it easier to carry on!

[vik6525]

Maybe you can, but some people dont like going to slimming clubs or have "done that got the tee-shirt".

I repeat, there should be NO nasty side effects IF you follow the plan correctly.


Sorry, but Im a little confused by this....

If the plan is 'low fat foods, no fat at all' then surely THATS whats making you loose the weight? The change in diet?

You could do that without taking the pill.....

[onetomany]

im doing really well on them havent had any accidents for a while untill today but i was expecting that as i had steak egg and chips out yesterday, i still drink achoal on them and have lost 8lbs this month but just started the gym so hopping more next month , think if you eat low fat you will be fine, mind you had a depo injection yesterday which gives me wind so not sure what gonna happen over next few days x

[myrnahaz]

I was thinking of buying Alli until I read this thread - I can't help thinking that I'd rather be fat than go through all that 'leakage'.

[Topdogfran]

My partner is taking Xenical as prescribed by his Dr. The first time around the 'fall out' was horrendous, but this time he is being much more disciplined and we're coping a lot better. He's losing about 2kgs a week at the moment - start weight in excess of 200kgs.

[ebaybaby]

Sorry, but Im a little confused by this....

If the plan is 'low fat foods, no fat at all' then surely THATS whats making you loose the weight? The change in diet?

You could do that without taking the pill.....


You dont eat a diet that has no fat at all in, you have to eat a certain amount to make it work, each breakfast, lunch, dinner should contain around 15g of fat and whereas with normal dieting your body would cling onto the fat xencial flushes it right through.
As long as you have kept to the quota of fat it should come out normally through your poo, if you have had too much you will suffer the consquences!

[Petree]

The simple way to look at it is 1/3 of the fat that goes in you, comes out of you!

I've been on it for about 9 months, and it's great, does exactly what it says on the tin. The online forum (i've got the US version, but I imagine the UK is identical) is really helpful, with recipes, counters, support etc.

You get a little stack of booklets with the starter kit, to record your calories, food guide, calorie counter type book for lots of meals and restaurants (all US in mine).

If you eat a big greasy burger, with cheese and full fat dressing (say 60g of fat), then 20g of fat is going to be pooped out, eat a grilled chicken steak with low fat cheese and far free dressing (say 10g of fat) then 3.3g of fat will be pooped out.

To my mind it works two ways, firstly fat is really calorie dense so pooping it out means you aren't getting those calories, but the other way, and for me much stronger way is when your at an italian restaurant and you think hmm pasta with tom sauce, or carbonara with cheesey garlic bread and then you think 'hmm that cheese is going to be seen again' it makes me order the tomato version! Gross - perhaps, effective - yes.

I've never had the public staining issues, and if you're worried get on the lower fat diet a couple of days before starting.

Good luck

[tiamaria]

Thanks for that, so have you managed to lose much weight in the 9 months then?

[Francesanne]

Mmmmmm Xenical........... dangerous stuff. One of my ex colleagues had a devastatingly embarassing experience at a neighbours house. A combination of too much beer and curry made him a rather windy and not thinking he thought he would release said wind............. anyone using Xenical will be aware of what can happen in such situations. Suffice to say that the neighbours white sofa was ruined as was the friendship.....

Naah I will stick to my dieting rather! :)
We know a guy who's been taking Xenical for the last 6 months under the supervision of the hospital. He's lost 1st 2lb which seems a very slow rate of weight loss. Know it's better to lose it slowly but there's slow and there's slow. It also works out very expensive method of weight loss especially when he's 60 and getting it free on N.H.S. Only change to eating habits is cutting out the biscuits and crisps.

[rosymop]

im so pleased with my results iv been on them a little over a week and have only been taking 1 a day with my tea at night as i have a cup of soup for breakfast and one for lunch and have lost over 6lb with the only side effect being alot of wind which i can put up with :j

[animarie]

I was thinking about buying Alli next week :eek:, also looking at or buying Proactol has anyone tried Proactol?
many thanks

[A little stressed!!]

I've been on Alli 1 week and lost 2lbs, I only have 1.5 stone to lose so think thats ok for 1st week, would like to lose 3lb a week though! Only 1 'effect' but serves me right for having pudding! Really happy with it overall!

[gocat]

I was thinking about buying Alli next week :eek:, also looking at or buying Proactol has anyone tried Proactol?
many thanks

I would like to know about Proactol too. Does it have the same side efffects as Xenical? :confused:

I tried Xenical a few years back via my GPs. Had moderate weight loss but it stopped me going swimming (which I absolutely love) as worried about accidents:o. And of course had to wear pads all the time :rolleyes: Doctor stopped prescribing it after 4 months as was not losing weight fast enough.

So, tried Lipobind which gave me same weightloss as xemical with none of the horrible side effects but weightloss seems to have stopped again:rolleyes:

Would like to know what side effects Proactol have.

[withabix]

If you buy stuff from USA above the value of 18.00GBP, you will be charged duty and then charged again by the Post Office for collecting the duty. Remember to add that to the cost of the goods before deciding to buy.

Unlikely to happen, as the sellers put a low value on the declaration sticker.

[gocat]

I have tried and using Proactol, its one of the best I've ever used in my entire life! I've lost already 23 Pounds thanks for this great product! don't fool by cheaters tho, remember to buy only from the main product store at http://www.proactol.com

Good luck :-)

Thanks just ordered some as all reviews seem to rate it highly. Surprised it's on quidco too 20% off first order :T Also used code STOPSM to get 15% off, which I found by googling too.
Hope it doesnt have the Xenical side effects :o

[dizziblonde]

Docs have talked about prescribing Xenical to me but to be honest, the thought of pooing out a chip pan in a job where often you don't get time to have a wee during the day (not as if I can run out of a classroom of children when I'm worried I'm going to trump and follow through), is a very worrying thought.

[jmarko]

asked doc today for advice on taking alli and they prescribed me xenical - which is a great saving straight off!

taken two so far and still have my trousers in tact - so that's good! :rotfl:

i have to say, i've eaten naff all fat today - i'm paranoid about it. i can see it working just because it's really concentrating the mind. but at the end of the day, i don't care if i just eat better cos of fear or get less fat cos of the xenical - doesn't matter to me. as long as i'm taking in less fat, lose a bit of weight and the dry cleaning bill doesn't get too crazy, i'll be a happy chappy! :D

jmarko

[fatou256]

i have been on xenical andi stopped it after the side effect .. they were horrible to say the least .
jmzarko it take about a week or two before you start to see the full effect of xenical and be preapred lol even after a salad i couldn't stop going to the loo !

however having said that i did loose just over a stone in a month. on the plus side it does teah you where all the hideen fat is and what food you should avoid because if you dont well you will have a long trip to the loo .

i dont regret it using it as it is a good tools to get you started on a proper low fat diet.

[jmarko]

well, started taking them (orlistat) on Tuesday, it's Saturday now and I've lost half a stone. So it seems they work!! Or maybe it's because i'm avoiding fat like the plague!! :rolleyes:

just over three weeks of my prescription left. i'm assuming that it'll slow down at some stage! who knows?

hope it's all going well for you!

jmarko

[Pennylane]

Warning today about possible liver damage

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1197506/Slimming-pill-investigated-links-liver-damage.html

[sparrer]

Have just returned from my GP with a scrip for Xenical..I was advised by a consultant last week to ask if my surgery prescribes Alli but reading here they're one and the same...as I have COPD (the legacy of 40 years of smoking, too late I realised it wasn't worth it :rolleyes2) exercise is difficult so it's going to be a struggle to lose the 3 stone I need to, on diet alone. However having read the stories about Xenical I've made a conscious decision not to take it, instead the posts have spurred me on to try harder to use non medicating methods such as sensible eating via reduced fat foods etc etc and at least try to move more than I do at the mo :o.

Apart from which I'm going to a conference at a Hilton in the Midlands this weekend, God forbid I had the side effects there :eek::rotfl:

Thanks everyone for the info