September 23, 2011: Researches have linked over-the-counter weight loss drugs containing Orlistat, including Alli and Xenical, to serious and life-threatening side effects such as kidney failure, pancreatitis and liver failure.

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Orlistat side effect claims in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has taken Orlistat, Alli or Xenical and subsequently been diagnosed with a liver injury or other serious side effect, you should contact our firm immediately for a free case consultation. Please click here to contact our Dangerous Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

What’s the problem with weight loss drugs containing Orlistat?

The FDA is reviewing new safety information regarding reports of liver-related adverse events in patients taking orlistat. Orlistat is marketed in the United States as a prescription product, Xenical, and as an over-the-counter (OTC) product, Alli.

Xenical (orlistat 120mg) was approved as a prescription product by FDA in 1999 for obesity management in conjunction with a reduced caloric diet, and to reduce the risk of regaining weight after prior weight loss.

In 2007, Alli (orlistat 60mg) was approved for OTC use for weight loss in overweight adults, 18 years and older, in conjunction with a reduced-calorie and low-fat diet. Currently, orlistat is approved for marketing in approximately 100 countries. In January 2009, a nonprescription version of orlistat was approved for sale in the European Union.

Between 1999 and October 2008, 32 reports of serious liver injury, including 6 cases of liver failure, in patients using orlistat were submitted to FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System. Thirty of the 32 reports occurred outside the United States. The most commonly reported adverse events described in the 32 reports of serious liver injury were jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes), weakness, and abdominal pain. Hospitalization was reported in 27 of the 32 cases.

Since then, researchers have concluded there is a link between the Orlistat-containing drugs, Alli and Xenical, and kidney failure, pancreatitis and liver failure.

Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Failure

Kidney failure is characterized by the inability of the kidneys to excrete wastes and help maintain electrolyte levels in the body. Symptoms of kidney failure include:

• Decreased urine output or no urine output
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Decreased mental sharpness
• Muscle twitches
• Muscle cramps
• Swelling of the feet or ankles
• Persistent itching

Signs and Symptoms of Liver Failure

Liver failure is characterized by the liver’s inability to continue performing its normal functions. It can result in liver failure symptoms including:

• A yellowing of the skin and eyeballs (jaundice)
• Pain in the upper right area of the abdomen
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• A general sense of not feeling well
• Difficulty concentrating
• Disorientation or confusion
• Sleepiness

Signs and Symptoms of Pancreatitis

The pancreas is the gland behind the stomach that releases hormones and digestive enzymes that help diest and absorb food. Pancreatitis is characterized by an inflammation of the pancreas. It can cause sudden inflammation or swelling (acute pancreatitis) or it can cause inflammation that does not heal or improve, and gets worse over time (chronic pancreatitis).

Symptoms of acute pancreatitis include:

• Upper abdominal pain
• Abdominal pain that radiates to your back
• Abdominal pain that feels worse after eating
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Tenderness when touching the abdomen

Chronic pancreatitis symptoms include:

• Upper abdominal pain
• Indigestion
• Losing weight without trying
• Oily, smelly stools (steatorrhea)

Do I Have an Orlistat, Alli or Xenical Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Orlistat side effect claims in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has taken Orlistat, Alli or Xenical and subsequently been diagnosed with a liver injury or other serious side effect, you should contact our firm immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Dangerous Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

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