Now my point is not that somehow this drug is dangerous or shouldn’t be approved for over-the-counter sale. But I am saying – warning – that given the nature of what this drug is used for and knowing human nature, this is a drug that has a very high likelihood of being misused and abused. And the resulting shit storm – pun intended – will be quite severe.
And I want to be quite clear on this…I am blaming – in advance – the people who will misuse the drug and NOT the companies that develop, produce and market this drug. I have no faith in my fellow man when it comes to this kind of thing.
For it is obvious that if used correctly – and that’s a big “IF” considering that we’re talking about a weight loss drug – Xenical is safe and effective. But the potential for abuse here is tremendous. As is the potential for soiled garments of all kinds.
The prescription dosage of Xenical is one 120-milligram capsule three times per day with each meal containing fat. The proposed over-the-counter dose of Xenical – called Alli - is a 60-milligram capsule. So do the math and a person could very easily take the prescription level of Xenical by doubling up on the Alli. I don’t think that’s too much of a problem.
The problems will come when people give in to the inevitable “more is better” philosophy that too often comes into play. These problems will be compounded when people figure that they can double up on that dosage and be able to go on a KFC binge. The term “the Alli Shuffle” will take on a whole new meaning as a result of the misuse of this orlistat stuff.
And anyone who doesn’t think that this will happen hasn’t been paying too much attention to their fellow beings.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Susan Reno-Gilliland
Are you saying you wouldn't find the phrase:
"anal seepage"
hilariously, roll-in-the-floor, funny (as long as it wasn't happening to you)???
2 - Lisa McKay
It would be interesting to track the sales of Depends once Xenical hits the OTC market.
3 - sal m
could anal seepage and oily discharge be one in the same?
if not, susan, you are 1000% correct!
4 - candace
oh www.zug.com theres a uh, interesting "experiment" done with Olestra chips.
5 - Natalie
By the way, I have been using Xenical, under the advice for about 8 months now. The only discomfort I've experience is some bloating and oily discharge.
IF people eat correctly (i-e keep their fat intake below 30%), there is no nasty side effects. You don't have to worry about sitting next to me on the bus.
The problems the author states however are only too true. I can just imagine people popping excess pills or running to KFC and then suffering the consequences.
This drug should be taken as you are being followed by a doctor. Most humans are too stupid to do this on their own.
6 - Susan Reno-Gilliland
Actually, the only reason I made the crass remark was because I have taken the prescription a few years ago and understand the potential side-effects. As the instructions and information provided by the doctor and pharmacist says, as long as you keep the fat intake under 30%, the side effects are minimum to none.
I knew a woman that wasn't taking the Rx but was loading up on the orlistat potato chips and she found -- much to her dismay -- the serious side effect of anal seepage, first-hand.
The problem which may -- which probably -- will occur -- most likely will be over-use (abuse) of the product when it is not regulated by a doctor/pharmacist.
7 - sal m
it's really great to hear from people who are having, or who had, success with the drug.
on the other hand, i think it's a sad commentary that people stop taking the drug because of the side effects rather than change their eating habits, that are causing these side effects to be severe. or won't even take the drug and make an attempt to change their habits.
8 - RJ Elliott
Sell it in France. The human nose won't be able to tell the difference...
9 - Susan Reno-Gilliland
Sal, I never had any problems with the Rx. I found that following the instructions were simple, easy and safe. And, less than 30% fat intake was never a problem for me, so side-effects were never an issue. As I said, it was several years ago and I would recommend the Rx to others, as long as they were willing to follow ALL instructions.
It is the "if one is good, four must be better" attitude that a lot of people have that is the scary thought when there are not restrictions on something like this. I would simply -- STRONGLY -- advise caution with dosage and following all instructions closely to reduce the chances of side effects.
10 - Jake Young
There is a bigger question here. Does the inevitability of misuse constitute a compelling reason to prevent this drug's release to OTC use?
It is my understanding that when making a decision like that the FDA considers whether misuse is fatal or would have lasting consequences. In this case, the side effects, though highly unpleasant and unbelievably ridiculous, are not likely to leave lasting scars to anything other than the self-esteem. Thus, the FDA is justified is releasing this drug.
Also, with respect to the inevitable lawsuits, yes, there could be many. But those lawsuits don't win unless you can prove that the bad thing happened when you used the drug as directed. By being so thorough in the cornucopia of unpleasant side effects, the company is certainly covering its bases.
Then again you could also argue that no one in their right mind would draw further attention to their shame by suing. That would be my way...but then again I don't have anal seepage.
11 - sal m
i don't think the people who will use the drug - and have used the drug - properly shouldn't be able to get this drug because of those people who have/will misuse it.
i have some clients who have used the drug and those who followed the program - as did susan - had minimal if any problems. while those who didn't heed the warning either suffered through pretty nasty side effects or bailed.
i hope i'm wrong about this - and i don't feel the drug shouldn't be approved - but so many people have lost their mind when it comes to weightloss.
12 - Sandy
When is the drug going to be available without a prescription? I have ordered the blue pill online at a hefty price. I have had no side effects. I am a female who doesn't have regular (weekly) bowel movements. I have also followed the recommended diet plan.
13 - sal m
the FDA's advisory panel recommended that orlistat/xenical be made available without a prescription back in january, but i haven't seen any news with regards to the FDA making this official.
14 - laura
but does taking more pills make you actually lose more weight?
15 - sal m
are you serious?
not following the directions to the letter will result in you soiling yourself...thanks for proving my point.
16 - laura
anytime...but the thing is...i´ve been using it for 2 weeks ..and gotten 0 results!...xenical was my last hope of losing those last 10 pounds......do you know of any other diet pills that work?
17 - laura
come on...please help me!
18 - sal m
i don't give advice with regards to any kind of meds...check with your doctor...
19 - laura
ok....but i´d still like to know..if you do or dont lose MORE weight if you take more pills .i know you soil yourself..that its disgusting and that it stinks like hell..but i dont care...can u answer this...... and i wont bother u again.,, :)
20 - cindy
I think if its going to be an otc then it needs to be sold from behind the counter to 18 and older like a lot of otc drugs are now days.
21 - sal m
cindy:
good point...today i had to buy some cold meds for my little ones and i had to sign something because the meds contained pseudoephedra...so it's not unreasonable to have xenical literally available over the counter.
22 - Chyandour
I would like to see what people think of my comments... I have been on Xenical for the past week, Ive lost about 9lbs so far obviously I wont loose that everyweek... I haven't had any problems as I haven't eaten anything with more than 10% fat in it ie: a combination of several items adding up to the recommended 30% at each meal.. So absolutely no side effects. But I cant help thinking Ive lost weight because Im very scared to eat anything unhealthy and not because I am on Xenical. I have 5 kids and cant be "pooping" oneself every 2 minutes , so my point is have I lost weight on my own or our these pills still making a difference to my weightloss regardless of whether im having toilet troubles or not...I cant see how they would help if they are not blocking any fat in the first place... for the record I always loose about 8lb the first week with or without pills, and only find myself eligible for xenical on prescription as I need to have an operation and am currently heavier than the surgeons are happy about.
On a positive note though, xenical has given me a fear of fatty foods, and I really study labels and make the right choices now, so no wonder anxiety is a side effect!
I Would love to know everyone elses views on this..
Many thanks
Chy
23 - sal m
Chy:
I don't think that there's any doubt - that if used correctly - xenical is beneficial. I also think that since you're on the prescription dosage your have to take the prescribed amounts.
My comments were directed at those who will go overboard with the drug and self-dose as they see fit.
I have had several clients who have used xenical and those who followed instructions were successful and those who didn't were messy and unsuccessful.
24 - Chyandour
Thanks for that Sal, do you remember if your successful clients lost weight faster than those that didnt take it at all.. thats what im trying to get to... Im restricting myself to a very limited fat intake when I was very used to a high fat diet so obviously the weight is going to come off but will it be faster on xenical with no side effects or at the same rate as if I didnt take it....
I get the impression that Xenical is for people that want to eat the same bad foods and still lose the weight...
I have been on reductil too but found no loss of appetite at all!
Thanks again
chy
25 - sal m
the unsuccessful clients didn't stick to the proper diet guidelines and ate too much fat, and as a result had "the problem," if you know what i mean.
too many people don't realize that if you take this drug and continue to eat a lot of fatty foods, that fat has to go somewhere. so without making the necessary adjustment to their eating habits, and relying on the drug to do all the work, they ultimately will fail.
because the fat doesn't disappear when you eat it, this drug is not meant for people who will continue to eat fat.
by restricting your fat intake you are doing the right thing and are developing a good habit that hopefully you will keep once you get the weight off.