Two very popular weight-loss drugs may be associated with liver damage according to a recent report by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The active ingredient in these two drugs, orlistat, may cause hepatoxicity, which is chemical damage to the liver. Xenical, which is available by prescription only and Alli, which can be purchased over-the-counter have been taken by millions of people all over the world since they became available to consumers.
Xenical, made by Roche, has generated more than $30 million in sales since it was approved for use in 1999, and Alli, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, generated a staggering $131 million in sales during its first year on the market.
Both of these drugs work by preventing the absorption of fats; this, in turn, reduces caloric intake, but these drugs do have some unpleasant side effects including:
Fecal incontinence
Oily stools
Loose stools
Frequent bowel movements
Bowel urgency
Flatulence
But the life-threatening side effects of orlistat are:
Liver failure
Liver inflammation
Lesions on the liver
Necrosis of the liver
These drugs may also increase your chances of breast cancer and colon cancer.
If you or a loved one has taken a drug that was later discovered to be dangerous, you may have a valid pharmaceutical liability claim. An experienced defective drug lawyer can help; please contact one in your area today to schedule a confidential, no-cost consultation.
