Just a suggestion, but I think a booklet on TE should be included with the starter pack. I know that was my biggest concern, and I felt it got glossed over. What information was presented in such a way that it was frightening. The feeling I got was like an airline passenger hearing something on the PA like this, "Now don't panic or anything, but we are over the Burmuda Triangle, and many planes have gone down here. We are going back on course, but if we can't we may all die."

More information on that would have made me feel more at ease. The TE are very mild I have found. A little more information would be more helpful. Especially information regarding how many people get what side effects. Are the side effects lessened over time? I believe the answer would be yes, but I am not sure.

I am very happy with this product. I would have like to have been better prepared not to have TE. Some people are writing that they are purposely trying to induce TE. I wonder if I am odd because my changes have been so small. I think it is good to be expecting what could happen, but it would be nice to expect that it pobably won't.

I felt the material was very specific, and in fact, I was so afraid of TE, I had dreams about it last night...so far, so good and it's been two days on them. I have a small amount of tummy grumbling, but that's it so far. I hope people don't start to abuse them (purposely inducing TE) because then they'll possibly make them prescription only again..on the other hand, it would be cheaper that way for me because insurance would cover them :-)

alli is a very important tool for overweight adults who are trying to lose weight and improve their health:however, the foremost concern with any OTC product is safety. Not everyone will experience treatment effects, nor should they if they are following the recommended diet and limiting fat to no more than 15gm per meal.

alli works by inhibiting some of the body's absorption of dietary fat.  Taken at meal times, it works by blocking the absorption of about 25% of the fat in the food a person eats.  Because of the way it works, alli must be used in conjuction with a reduced-calorie, low0fat diet containing about 15 grams of fat per meal.  Eating a meal with too much fat while taking alli can result in bowel changes, such as loose stools, more frequent stools that may be hard to control, or gas with oily spotting.  These changes, called treatment effects, generally occur for the first time in the first weeks of treatment, are not harmful, and can generally be managed by following the recommended diet with about 15 grams of fat per meal.

I am glad to hear that alli is working for you.  Keep up the good work.

Best of Health.

Sophia De Monte RPh

 

Maybe I am being too honest in my 'check in' questionnaire because I got back a lecture on how I am clearly exceeding my '15 grams'  ... I don't eat much fat normally and I know my meals are mostly in the '15 grams or fewer' category except for the few occasions when I am out on business and run into a situation where I eat something higher in fat.  [This program does help me avoid eating much of those high fat foods, though, because I don't want to have to drive home with the threat of TREATMENT EFFECTS hitting at any time]. 

Anyway, I lost 3 lbs and am happy with the program but I have to admit that I do find 'pizza oil' in my toilet and my stools are a bit looser.  Is this what is considered TREATMENT EFFECTS?  Or is it a normal response?

What you are experiencing is a normal response to alli. Whatever fat is blocked from absorption tends to pass through - making stools looser and causing the noticable oil. I am glad to hear you seem to be doing well. Remember - the treatment effects are directly asociated with how much fat you consume......good luck and good health!

Maria Marzella Sulli, Pharm.D.