FDA Investigating Counterfeit Alli

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is today warning consumers about a counterfeit and potentially harmful version of Alli 60mg capsules.

Preliminary laboratory tests conducted by GlaxoSmithKline – the maker of the FDA approved over-the-counter weight loss product, revealed that the counterfeit version did not contain orlistat, the active ingredient in Alli. Instead, the counterfeit product contained the controlled substance sibutramine. Sibutramine is a drug that should not be used in certain patient populations or without physician oversight. Sibutramine can also interact in a harmful way with other medications the consumer may be taking as well.

Consumers recently began reporting suspected counterfeit products as early as December, 2009. GSK has determined that the counterfeit product has been sold over the internet. However, there is no evidence at this time that the counterfeit Alli product has been sold through other channels, such as retail locations. GSK noted that the counterfeit Alli product looks similar to the authentic product, with just a few notable differences. The counterfeit Alli has:

 
 - Outer cardboard packaging is missing a “Lot” number or code.
 - Expiration date the includes month, day and year where authentic Alli  only lists the expiration as the month and year.
 - Packaging in plastic bottle that has a slightly taller and wider cap with  coarser ribbing than the genuine product.
 - Plain foil inner safety seal under plastic cap without any printed   words; whereas authentic Alli’s seal has printed “Sealed for Your  Protection”.
 - Contains larger capsules with a white powder, instead of small white  pellets.

Consumers who believe they have received counterfeit Alli are asked to contact the FDA’s office of Criminal Investigations.

Staff – Everythingantiaging.com

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