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May 27, 2010

Weight Loss Medicine Causing Rare Cases of Severe Liver Injury

The popular weight loss drug Orlistat, prescription name (Xenical) and over the counter name (Alii), has been linked to a rare severe liver injury resulting in two cases of death and need for liver transplantation. FDA has approved new labeling on the drug to alert the public to these risks. Orlistat works by reducing the amount of fats absorbed in the intestinal tract during a meal. Signs of liver damage include anorexia, jaundice, and dark urine.

Dr. Kerry Ferguson