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DRUGS & SUPPLEMENTS
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What is the dose of the medication you are taking? |
Alli is indicated for obesity management including weight loss and weight maintenance when used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet. Alli is also indicated to reduce the risk for weight regain after prior weight loss. Alli is indicated for obese patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2 or ≥27 kg/m2 in the presence of other risk factors (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia).
Table 1 illustrates body mass index (BMI) according to a variety of weights and heights. The BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. For example, a person who weighs 180 lbs and is 5 ' 5 " would have a BMI of 30.
The recommended dose of Alli is one 120-mg capsule three times a day with each main meal containing fat (during or up to 1 hour after the meal).
The patient should be on a nutritionally balanced, reduced-calorie diet that contains approximately 30% of calories from fat. The daily intake of fat, carbohydrate, and protein should be distributed over three main meals. If a meal is occasionally missed or contains no fat, the dose of Alli can be omitted.
Because Alli has been shown to reduce the absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins and beta-carotene, patients should be counseled to take a multivitamin containing fat-soluble vitamins to ensure adequate nutrition . The vitamin supplement should be taken at least 2 hours before or after the administration of Alli, such as at bedtime.
For patients receiving both Alli and cyclosporine therapy, administer cyclosporine 3 hours after Alli.
For patients receiving both Alli and levothyroxine therapy, administer levothyroxine and Alli at least 4 hours apart. Patients treated concomitantly with Alli and levothyroxine should be monitored for changes in thyroid function.
Doses above 120 mg three times a day have not been shown to provide additional benefit.
Based on fecal fat measurements, the effect of Alli is seen as soon as 24 to 48 hours after dosing. Upon discontinuation of therapy, fecal fat content usually returns to pretreatment levels within 48 to 72 hours.
Alli 120 mg turquoise capsules imprinted with ROCHE and Alli 120 in black ink.
Alli is contraindicated in:
Alli may interact with concomitant drugs including cyclosporine, levothyroxine, warfarin, amiodarone, antiepileptic drugs, and antiretroviral drugs .
Data from a Alli and cyclosporine drug interaction study indicate a reduction in cyclosporine plasma levels when Alli was coadministered with cyclosporine. Therefore, Alli and cyclosporine should not be simultaneously coadministered. To reduce the chance of a drug-drug interaction, cyclosporine should be taken at least 3 hours before or after Alli in patients taking both drugs. In addition, in those patients whose cyclosporine levels are being measured, more frequent monitoring should be considered.
Patients should be strongly encouraged to take a multivitamin supplement that contains fat-soluble vitamins to ensure adequate nutrition because Alli has been shown to reduce the absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins and beta-carotene . In addition, the levels of vitamin D and beta-carotene may be low in obese patients compared with non-obese subjects. The supplement should be taken once a day at least 2 hours before or after the administration of Alli, such as at bedtime.
Weight-loss may affect glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus. A reduction in dose of oral hypoglycemic medication (e.g., sulfonylureas) or insulin may be required in some patients .
There have been rare postmarketing reports of severe liver injury with hepatocellular necrosis or acute hepatic failure in patients treated with Alli, with some of these cases resulting in liver transplant or death. Patients should be instructed to report any symptoms of hepatic dysfunction while taking Alli. When these symptoms occur, Alli and other suspect medications should be discontinued immediately and liver function tests and ALT and AST levels obtained.
Some patients may develop increased levels of urinary oxalate following treatment with Alli. Cases of oxalate nephrolithiasis and oxalate nephropathy with renal failure have been reported. Monitor renal function when prescribing Alli to patients at risk for renal impairment and use with caution in those with a history of hyperoxaluria or calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis.
Substantial weight loss can increase the risk of cholelithiasis. In a clinical trial of Alli for the prevention of type 2 diabetes, the rates of cholelithiasis as an adverse event were 2.9% for patients randomized to Alli and 1.8% (30/1655) for patients randomized to placebo.
Organic causes of obesity (e.g., hypothyroidism) should be excluded before prescribing Alli.
Patients should be advised to adhere to dietary guidelines . Gastrointestinal events may increase when Alli is taken with a diet high in fat (>30% total daily calories from fat). The daily intake of fat should be distributed over three main meals. If Alli is taken with any one meal very high in fat, the possibility of gastrointestinal effects increases.
Most common treatment emergent adverse reactions include oily spotting, flatus with discharge, fecal urgency, fatty/oily stool, oily evacuation, increased defecation and fecal incontinence. (6.1)
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Genentech at 1-888-835-2555 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in patients.
Commonly Observed (based on first year and second year data)
Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms were the most commonly observed treatment-emergent adverse events associated with the use of Alli in the seven double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials and are primarily a manifestation of the mechanism of action. (Commonly observed is defined as an incidence of ≥5% and an incidence in the Alli 120 mg group that is at least twice that of placebo.)
Adverse Event | Year 1 | Year 2 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Alli (N=1913) | Placebo (N=1466) | Alli (N=613) | Placebo (N=524) | |
Oily Spotting | 26.6 | 1.3 | 4.4 | 0.2 |
Flatus with Discharge | 23.9 | 1.4 | 2.1 | 0.2 |
Fecal Urgency | 22.1 | 6.7 | 2.8 | 1.7 |
Fatty/Oily Stool | 20.0 | 2.9 | 5.5 | 0.6 |
Oily Evacuation | 11.9 | 0.8 | 2.3 | 0.2 |
Increased Defecation | 10.8 | 4.1 | 2.6 | 0.8 |
Fecal Incontinence | 7.7 | 0.9 | 1.8 | 0.2 |
In general, the first occurrence of these events was within 3 months of starting therapy. Overall, approximately 50% of all episodes of GI adverse events associated with Alli treatment lasted for less than 1 week, and a majority lasted for no more than 4 weeks. However, GI adverse events may occur in some individuals over a period of 6 months or longer.
Discontinuation of Treatment
In controlled clinical trials, 8.8% of patients treated with Alli discontinued treatment due to adverse events, compared with 5.0% of placebo-treated patients. For Alli, the most common adverse events resulting in discontinuation of treatment were gastrointestinal.
Other Adverse Clinical Events
The following table lists other treatment-emergent adverse events from seven multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials that occurred at a frequency of ≥2% among patients treated with Alli 120 mg three times a day and with an incidence that was greater than placebo during year 1 and year 2, regardless of relationship to study medication.
Body System/Adverse Event | Year 1 | Year 2 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Alli (N=1913) | Placebo (N=1466) | Alli (N=613) | Placebo (N=524) | |
– None reported at a frequency ≥2% and greater than placebo | ||||
Gastrointestinal System | ||||
Abdominal Pain/Discomfort | 25.5 | 21.4 | – | – |
Nausea | 8.1 | 7.3 | 3.6 | 2.7 |
Infectious Diarrhea | 5.3 | 4.4 | – | – |
Rectal Pain/Discomfort | 5.2 | 4.0 | 3.3 | 1.9 |
Tooth Disorder | 4.3 | 3.1 | 2.9 | 2.3 |
Gingival Disorder | 4.1 | 2.9 | 2.0 | 1.5 |
Vomiting | 3.8 | 3.5 | – | – |
Respiratory System | ||||
Influenza | 39.7 | 36.2 | – | – |
Upper Respiratory Infection | 38.1 | 32.8 | 26.1 | 25.8 |
Lower Respiratory Infection | 7.8 | 6.6 | – | – |
Ear, Nose & Throat Symptoms | 2.0 | 1.6 | – | – |
Musculoskeletal System | ||||
Back Pain | 13.9 | 12.1 | – | – |
Pain Lower Extremities | – | – | 10.8 | 10.3 |
Arthritis | 5.4 | 4.8 | – | – |
Myalgia | 4.2 | 3.3 | – | – |
Joint Disorder | 2.3 | 2.2 | – | – |
Tendonitis | – | – | 2.0 | 1.9 |
Central Nervous System | ||||
Headache | 30.6 | 27.6 | – | – |
Dizziness | 5.2 | 5.0 | – | – |
Body as a Whole | ||||
Fatigue | 7.2 | 6.4 | 3.1 | 1.7 |
Sleep Disorder | 3.9 | 3.3 | – | – |
Skin & Appendages | ||||
Rash | 4.3 | 4.0 | – | – |
Dry Skin | 2.1 | 1.4 | – | – |
Reproductive, Female | ||||
Menstrual Irregularity | 9.8 | 7.5 | – | – |
Vaginitis | 3.8 | 3.6 | 2.6 | 1.9 |
Urinary System | ||||
Urinary Tract Infection | 7.5 | 7.3 | 5.9 | 4.8 |
Psychiatric Disorder | ||||
Psychiatric Anxiety | 4.7 | 2.9 | 2.8 | 2.1 |
Depression | – | – | 3.4 | 2.5 |
Hearing & Vestibular Disorders | ||||
Otitis | 4.3 | 3.4 | 2.9 | 2.5 |
Cardiovascular Disorders | ||||
Pedal Edema | – | – | 2.8 | 1.9 |
Table 4 illustrates the percentage of adult patients on Alli and placebo who developed a low vitamin level on two or more consecutive visits during 1 and 2 years of therapy in studies in which patients were not previously receiving vitamin supplementation.
Placebo | Alli | |
---|---|---|
Vitamin A | 1.0% | 2.2% |
Vitamin D | 6.6% | 12.0% |
Vitamin E | 1.0% | 5.8% |
Beta-carotene | 1.7% | 6.1% |
Table 5 illustrates the percentage of adolescent patients on Alli and placebo who developed a low vitamin level on two or more consecutive visits during the 1-year study.
Placebo | Alli | |
---|---|---|
Vitamin A | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Vitamin D | 0.7% | 1.4% |
Vitamin E | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Beta-carotene | 0.8% | 1.5% |
In the 4-year XENDOS study, the general pattern of adverse events was similar to that reported for the 1- and 2-year studies with the total incidence of gastrointestinal-related adverse events occurring in year 1 decreasing each year over the 4-year period.
In clinical trials in obese diabetic patients, hypoglycemia and abdominal distension were also observed.
Pediatric Patients
In clinical trials with Alli in adolescent patients ages 12 to 16 years, the profile of adverse reactions was generally similar to that observed in adults.
The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of Alli. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to Alli exposure.
Data from a Alli and cyclosporine drug interaction study indicate a reduction in cyclosporine plasma levels when Alli was coadministered with cyclosporine. Alli and cyclosporine should not be simultaneously coadministered. Cyclosporine should be administered 3 hours after the administration of Alli .
Data from a pharmacokinetic interaction study showed that the absorption of beta-carotene supplement is reduced when concomitantly administered with Alli. Alli inhibited absorption of a vitamin E acetate supplement. The effect of Alli on the absorption of supplemental vitamin D, vitamin A, and nutritionally-derived vitamin K is not known at this time .
Hypothyroidism has been reported in patients treated concomitantly with Alli and levothyroxine postmarketing. Patients treated concomitantly with Alli and levothyroxine should be monitored for changes in thyroid function. Administer levothyroxine and Alli at least 4 hours apart .
Vitamin K absorption may be decreased with Alli. Reports of decreased prothrombin, increased INR and unbalanced anticoagulant treatment resulting in change of hemostatic parameters have been reported in patients treated concomitantly with Alli and anticoagulants. Patients on chronic stable doses of warfarin or other anticoagulants who are prescribed Alli should be monitored closely for changes in coagulation parameters .
A pharmacokinetic study, where amiodarone was orally administered during Alli treatment, demonstrated a reduction in exposure to amiodarone and its metabolite, desethylamiodarone . A reduced therapeutic effect of amiodarone is possible. The effect of commencing Alli treatment in patients on stable amiodarone therapy has not been studied.
Convulsions have been reported in patients treated concomitantly with Alli and antiepileptic drugs. Patients should be monitored for possible changes in the frequency and/or severity of convulsions.
Loss of virological control has been reported in HIV-infected patients taking Alli concomitantly with antiretroviral drugs such as atazanavir, ritonavir, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, emtricitabine, and with the combinations lopinavir/ritonavir and emtricitabine/efavirenz/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. The exact mechanism for this is unclear, but may include a drug-drug interaction that inhibits systemic absorption of the antiretroviral drug. HIV RNA levels should be frequently monitored in patients who take Alli while being treated for HIV infection. If there is a confirmed increase in HIV viral load, Alli should be discontinued.
Pregnancy Category X
Alli is contraindicated during pregnancy, because weight loss offers no potential benefit to a pregnant woman and may result in fetal harm. A minimum weight gain, and no weight loss, is currently recommended for all pregnant women, including those who are already overweight or obese, due to the obligatory weight gain that occurs in maternal tissues during pregnancy. No embryotoxicity or teratogenicity was seen in animals that received Alli at doses much higher than the recommended human dose. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard of maternal weight loss to the fetus.
Animal Data
Reproduction studies were conducted in rats and rabbits at doses up to 800 mg/kg/day. Neither study showed embryotoxicity or teratogenicity. This dose is 23 and 47 times the daily human dose calculated on a body surface area (mg/m2) basis for rats and rabbits, respectively.
It is not known if Alli is present in human milk. Caution should be exercised when Alli is administered to a nursing woman.
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 12 have not been established.
The safety and efficacy of Alli have been evaluated in obese adolescent patients aged 12 to 16 years. Use of Alli in this age group is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of Alli in adults with additional data from a 54-week efficacy and safety study and a 21-day mineral balance study in obese adolescent patients aged 12 to 16 years. Patients treated with Alli in the 54-week efficacy and safety study had a mean reduction in BMI of 0.55 kg/m2 compared with an average increase of 0.31 kg/m2 in placebo-treated patients (p=0.001). In both adolescent studies, adverse effects were generally similar to those described in adults and included fatty/oily stool, oily spotting, and oily evacuation. In a subgroup of 152 Alli and 77 placebo patients from the 54-week study, changes in body composition measured by DEXA were similar in both treatment groups with the exception of fat mass, which was significantly reduced in patients treated with Alli compared to patients treated with placebo (-2.5 kg vs -0.6 kg, p=0.033). Because Alli can interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, all patients should take a daily multivitamin that contains vitamins A, D, E, K, and beta-carotene. The vitamin supplement should be taken at least 2 hours before or after Alli .
Plasma concentrations of Alli and its metabolites M1 and M3 were similar to those found in adults at the same dose level. Daily fecal fat excretions were 27% and 7% of dietary intake in Alli and placebo treatment groups, respectively.
Clinical studies of Alli did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients .
As with any weight-loss agent, the potential exists for abuse of Alli in inappropriate patient populations (e.g., patients with anorexia nervosa or bulimia). See Indications and Usage (1) for recommended prescribing guidelines.
Single doses of 800 mg Alli and multiple doses of up to 400 mg three times a day for 15 days have been studied in normal weight and obese subjects without significant adverse findings.
Should a significant overdose of Alli occur, it is recommended that the patient be observed for 24 hours. Based on human and animal studies, systemic effects attributable to the lipase-inhibiting properties of Alli should be rapidly reversible.
Alli (orlistat) is a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor for obesity management that acts by inhibiting the absorption of dietary fats.
Alli is (S)-2-formylamino-4-methyl-pentanoic acid (S)-1-[[(2S, 3S)-3-hexyl-4-oxo-2-oxetanyl] methyl]-dodecyl ester. Its empirical formula is C29H53NO5, and its molecular weight is 495.7. It is a single diastereomeric molecule that contains four chiral centers, with a negative optical rotation in ethanol at 529 nm. The structure is:
Alli is a white to off-white crystalline powder. Alli is practically insoluble in water, freely soluble in chloroform, and very soluble in methanol and ethanol. Alli has no pK a within the physiological pH range.
Alli is available for oral administration as a turquoise hard-gelatin capsule. The capsule is imprinted with black. Each capsule contains a pellet formulation consisting of 120 mg of the active ingredient, Alli, as well as the inactive ingredients microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, sodium lauryl sulfate, povidone, and talc. The capsule shell contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, and FD&C Blue No. 2 with black printing ink containing pharmaceutical grade shellac, propylene glycol, strong ammonium solution, potassium hydroxide and black iron oxide.
Alli is a reversible inhibitor of gastrointestinal lipases. It exerts its therapeutic activity in the lumen of the stomach and small intestine by forming a covalent bond with the active serine residue site of gastric and pancreatic lipases. The inactivated enzymes are thus unavailable to hydrolyze dietary fat in the form of triglycerides into absorbable free fatty acids and monoglycerides. As undigested triglycerides are not absorbed, the resulting caloric deficit may have a positive effect on weight control.
Dose-response Relationship
The dose-response relationship for Alli in human volunteers is shown in Figure 1 . The effect is the percentage of ingested fat excreted, referred to as fecal fat excretion percentage. Both individual data and the curve predicted for the population with the maximum-effect model (continuous line) are shown in Figure 1 .
Figure 1 Dose-Response Relationship for Alli in Human Volunteers
At the recommended therapeutic dose of 120 mg three times a day, Alli inhibits dietary fat absorption by approximately 30%.
Ethanol does not affect orlistat's effect on preventing the absorption of fat.
Figure 1
Other Short-term Studies
Adults
In several studies of up to 6-weeks duration, the effects of therapeutic doses of Alli on gastrointestinal and systemic physiological processes were assessed in normal weight and obese subjects. Postprandial cholecystokinin plasma concentrations were lowered after multiple doses of Alli in two studies but not significantly different from placebo in two other experiments. There were no clinically significant changes observed in gallbladder motility, bile composition or lithogenicity, or colonic cell proliferation rate, and no clinically significant reduction of gastric emptying time or gastric acidity. In addition, no effects on plasma triglyceride levels or systemic lipases were observed with the administration of Alli in these studies. In a 3-week study of 28 healthy male volunteers, Alli (120 mg three times a day) did not significantly affect the balance of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, and iron.
Pediatrics
In a 3-week study of 32 obese adolescents aged 12 to 16 years, Alli (120 mg three times a day) did not significantly affect the balance of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, or copper. The iron balance was decreased by 64.7 µmole/24 hours and 40.4 µmole/24 hours in Alli and placebo treatment groups, respectively.
Absorption
Systemic exposure to Alli is minimal. Following oral dosing with 360 mg 14C-orlistat, plasma radioactivity peaked at approximately 8 hours; plasma concentrations of intact Alli were near the limits of detection (<5 ng/mL). In therapeutic studies involving monitoring of plasma samples, detection of intact Alli in plasma was sporadic and concentrations were low (<10 ng/mL or 0.02 µM), without evidence of accumulation, and consistent with minimal absorption.
Distribution
In vitro Alli was >99% bound to plasma proteins (lipoproteins and albumin were major binding proteins). Alli minimally partitioned into erythrocytes.
Metabolism
Based on an oral 14C-orlistat mass balance study in obese patients, two metabolites, M1 ((the hydrolyzed β-lactone ring product of Alli) and M3 (sequential metabolite after M1's cleavage of the N-formyl leucine side-chain), accounted for approximately 42% of total radioactivity in plasma. M1 and M3 have an open β-lactone ring and extremely weak lipase inhibitory activity (1000- and 2500-fold less than Alli, respectively). In view of this low inhibitory activity and the low plasma levels at the therapeutic dose (average of 26 ng/mL and 108 ng/mL for M1 and M3, respectively, 2 to 4 hours after a dose), these metabolites are considered pharmacologically inconsequential. The primary metabolite M1 had a short half-life (approximately 3 hours) whereas the secondary metabolite M3 eliminated at a slower rate (half-life approximately 13.5 hours).
Elimination
Following a single oral dose of 360 mg 14C-orlistat in both normal weight and obese subjects, fecal excretion of the unabsorbed drug was found to be the major route of elimination. Alli and its M1 and M3 metabolites were also subject to biliary excretion. Approximately 97% of the administered radioactivity was excreted in feces; 83% of that was found to be unchanged Alli. The cumulative renal excretion of total radioactivity was <2% of the given dose of 360 mg 14C-orlistat. The time to reach complete excretion (fecal plus urinary) was 3 to 5 days. The disposition of Alli appeared to be similar between normal weight and obese subjects. Based on limited data, the half-life of the absorbed Alli is in the range of 1 to 2 hours.
Specific Populations
No pharmacokinetic study was conducted for specific populations such as geriatric, different races, and patients with renal and hepatic impairment.
Drug Interactions
Alcohol
In a multiple-dose study in 30 normal-weight subjects, coadministration of Alli and 40 grams of alcohol (e.g., approximately 3 glasses of wine) did not result in alteration of alcohol pharmacokinetics, Alli pharmacodynamics (fecal fat excretion), or systemic exposure to Alli.
Amiodarone
In a pharmacokinetic study conducted in healthy volunteers who received 120 mg Alli three times daily for 13 days and a single dose of 120 mg Alli on the morning of Day 14 co-administered with a single dose of 1200 mg amiodarone on Day 4, a 23 – 27% reduction in the systemic exposure to amiodarone and desethylamiodarone was observed . The effect of commencing Alli treatment in patients on stable amiodarone therapy has not been studied.
Cyclosporine
In a multiple-dose study, coadministration of 50 mg cyclosporine twice daily with 120 mg Alli three times daily decreased cyclosporine AUC and Cmax by 31% and 25%, respectively. In the same study, administration of 50 mg cyclosporine twice daily three hours after the administration of 120 mg Alli three times daily decreased cyclosporine AUC and Cmax by 17% and 4%, respectively.
Digoxin
In 12 normal-weight subjects receiving Alli 120 mg three times a day for 6 days, Alli did not alter the pharmacokinetics of a single dose of digoxin.
Fat-soluble Vitamin Supplements and Analogues
A pharmacokinetic interaction study showed a 30% reduction in beta-carotene supplement absorption when concomitantly administered with Alli. Alli inhibited absorption of a vitamin E acetate supplement by approximately 60%. The effect of Alli on the absorption of supplemental vitamin D, vitamin A, and nutritionally-derived vitamin K is not known at this time.
Glyburide
In 12 normal-weight subjects receiving Alli 80 mg three times a day for 5 days, Alli did not alter the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics (blood glucose-lowering) of glyburide.
Nifedipine (extended-release tablets)
In 17 normal-weight subjects receiving Alli 120 mg three times a day for 6 days, Alli did not alter the bioavailability of nifedipine (extended-release tablets).
Oral Contraceptives
In 20 normal-weight female subjects, the treatment of Alli 120 mg three times a day for 23 days resulted in no changes in the ovulation-suppressing action of oral contraceptives.
Phenytoin
In 12 normal-weight subjects receiving Alli 120 mg three times a day for 7 days, Alli did not alter the pharmacokinetics of a single 300-mg dose of phenytoin.
Pravastatin
In a 2-way crossover study of 24 normal-weight, mildly hypercholesterolemic patients receiving Alli 120 mg three times a day for 6 days, Alli did not affect the pharmacokinetics of pravastatin.
Warfarin
In 12 normal-weight subjects, administration of Alli 120 mg three times a day for 16 days did not result in any change in either warfarin pharmacokinetics (both R- and S-enantiomers) or pharmacodynamics (prothrombin time and serum Factor VII). Although undercarboxylated osteocalcin, a marker of vitamin K nutritional status, was unaltered with Alli administration, vitamin K levels tended to decline in subjects taking Alli. Therefore, as vitamin K absorption may be decreased with Alli, patients on chronic stable doses of warfarin who are prescribed Alli should be monitored closely for changes in coagulation parameters.
Carcinogenicity studies in rats and mice did not show a carcinogenic potential for Alli at doses up to 1000 mg/kg/day and 1500 mg/kg/day, respectively. For mice and rats, these doses are 38 and 46 times the daily human dose calculated on an area under concentration vs time curve basis of total drug-related material.
Alli had no detectable mutagenic or genotoxic activity as determined by the Ames test, a mammalian forward mutation assay (V79/HPRT), an in vitro clastogenesis assay in peripheral human lymphocytes, an unscheduled DNA synthesis assay (UDS) in rat hepatocytes in culture, and an in vivo mouse micronucleus test.
When given to rats at a dose of 400 mg/kg/day in a fertility and reproduction study, Alli had no observable adverse effects. This dose is 12 times the daily human dose calculated on a body surface area (mg/m2) basis.
The long-term effects of Alli on morbidity and mortality associated with obesity have not been established.
The effects of Alli on weight loss, weight maintenance, and weight regain and on a number of comorbidities were assessed in the 4-year XENDOS study and in seven long-term (1- to 2-years duration) multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials. During the first year of therapy, the studies of 2-year duration assessed weight loss and weight maintenance. During the second year of therapy, some studies assessed continued weight loss and weight maintenance and others assessed the effect of Alli on weight regain. These studies included over 2800 patients treated with Alli and 1400 patients treated with placebo (age range 17-78 years, 80.2% women, 91.0% Caucasians, 5.7% Blacks, 2.3% Hispanics, 0.9% Other). The majority of these patients had obesity-related risk factors and comorbidities. In the XENDOS study, which included 3304 patients (age range 30-58 years, 55% women, 99% Caucasians, 1% other), the time to onset of type 2 diabetes was assessed in addition to weight management. In all these studies, treatment with Alli and placebo designates treatment with Alli plus diet and placebo plus diet, respectively.
During the weight loss and weight maintenance period, a well-balanced, reduced-calorie diet that was intended to result in an approximate 20% decrease in caloric intake and provide 30% of calories from fat was recommended to all patients. In addition, all patients were offered nutritional counseling.
Pooled data from five clinical trials indicated that the overall mean weight loss from randomization to the end of 1 year of treatment in the intent-to-treat population was 13.4 lbs in the patients treated with Alli and 5.8 lbs in the placebo-treated patients. After 1 year of treatment, the mean percent weight loss difference between XENICAL-treated patients and placebo-treated patients was 3%. One thousand seventy two (69%) patients treated with Alli and 701 (63%) patients treated with placebo completed 1 year of treatment. Of the patients who completed 1 year of treatment, 57% of the patients treated with Alli (120 mg three times a day) and 31% of the placebo-treated patients lost at least 5% of their baseline body weight.
The percentages of patients achieving ≥5% and ≥10% weight loss after 1 year in five large multicenter studies for the intent-to-treat populations are presented in Table 6 .
Study No. | Intent-to-Treat Population | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
≥5% Weight Loss | ≥10% Weight Loss | ||||||||||
Alli | n | Placebo | n | p-value | Alli | n | Placebo | n | p-value | ||
The diet utilized during year 1 was a reduced-calorie diet. | |||||||||||
14119B | 35.5% | 110 | 21.3% | 108 | 0.021 | 16.4% | 110 | 6.5% | 108 | 0.022 | |
14119C | 54.8% | 343 | 27.4% | 340 | <0.001 | 24.8% | 343 | 8.2% | 340 | <0.001 | |
14149 | 50.6% | 241 | 26.3% | 236 | <0.001 | 22.8% | 241 | 11.9% | 236 | 0.02 | |
14161 | 37.1% | 210 | 16.0% | 212 | <0.001 | 19.5% | 210 | 3.8% | 212 | <0.001 | |
14185 | 42.6% | 657 | 22.4% | 223 | <0.001 | 17.7% | 657 | 9.9% | 223 | 0.006 |
The relative changes in risk factors associated with obesity following 1 year of therapy with Alli and placebo are presented for the population as a whole and for the population with abnormal values at randomization.
Population as a Whole
The changes in metabolic, cardiovascular and anthropometric risk factors associated with obesity based on pooled data for five clinical studies, regardless of the patient's risk factor status at randomization, are presented in Table 7 . One year of therapy with Alli resulted in relative improvement in several risk factors.
Risk Factor | Alli 120 mg | Placebo |
---|---|---|
Metabolic: | ||
Total Cholesterol | -2.0% | +5.0% |
LDL-Cholesterol | -4.0% | +5.0% |
HDL-Cholesterol | +9.3% | +12.8% |
LDL/HDL | -0.37 | -0.20 |
Triglycerides | +1.34% | +2.9% |
Fasting Glucose, mmol/L | -0.04 | +0.0 |
Fasting Insulin, pmol/L | -6.7 | +5.2 |
Cardiovascular: | ||
Systolic Blood Pressure, mm Hg | -1.01 | +0.58 |
Diastolic Blood Pressure, mm Hg | -1.19 | +0.46 |
Anthropometric: | ||
Waist Circumference, cm | -6.45 | -4.04 |
Hip Circumference, cm | -5.31 | -2.96 |
Population With Abnormal Risk Factors at Randomization
The changes from randomization following 1-year treatment in the population with abnormal lipid levels (LDL ≥130 mg/dL, LDL/HDL ≥3.5, HDL <35 mg/dL) were greater for Alli compared to placebo with respect to LDL-cholesterol (-7.83% vs +1.14%) and the LDL/HDL ratio (-0.64 vs -0.46). HDL increased in the placebo group by 20.1% and in the Alli group by 18.8%. In the population with abnormal blood pressure at baseline (systolic BP ≥140 mm Hg), the change in SBP from randomization to 1 year was greater for Alli (-10.89 mm Hg) than placebo (-5.07 mm Hg). For patients with a diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg, Alli patients decreased by -7.9 mm Hg while the placebo patients decreased by -5.5 mm Hg. Fasting insulin decreased more for Alli than placebo (-39 vs -16 pmol/L) from randomization to 1 year in the population with abnormal baseline values (≥120 pmol/L). A greater reduction in waist circumference for Alli vs placebo (-7.29 vs -4.53 cm) was observed in the population with abnormal baseline values (≥100 cm).
Three studies were designed to evaluate the effects of Alli compared to placebo in reducing weight regain after a previous weight loss achieved following either diet alone or prior treatment with Alli (two studies, 14119C and 14185). The diet utilized during the 1-year weight regain portion of the studies was a weight-maintenance diet, rather than a weight-loss diet, and patients received less nutritional counseling than patients in weight-loss studies. For studies 14119C and 14185, patients' previous weight loss was due to 1 year of treatment with Alli in conjunction with a mildly hypocaloric diet. Study 14302 was conducted to evaluate the effects of 1 year of treatment with Alli on weight regain in patients who had lost 8% or more of their body weight in the previous 6 months on diet alone.
In study 14119C, patients treated with placebo regained 52% of the weight they had previously lost while the patients treated with Alli regained 26% of the weight they had previously lost (p<0.001). In study 14185, patients treated with placebo regained 63% of the weight they had previously lost while the patients treated with Alli regained 35% of the weight they had lost (p<0.001). In study 14302, patients treated with placebo regained 53% of the weight they had previously lost while the patients treated with Alli regained 32% of the weight that they had lost (p<0.001).
The treatment effects of Alli were examined for 2 years in four of the five 1-year weight management clinical studies previously discussed (see Table 6 ). At the end of year 1, the patients' diets were reviewed and changed where necessary. The diet prescribed in the second year was designed to maintain patient's current weight. Alli was shown to be more effective than placebo in long-term weight control in four large, multicenter, 2-year double-blind, placebo-controlled studies.
Pooled data from four clinical studies indicate that 74% of all patients treated with 120 mg three times a day of Alli and 76% of patients treated with placebo completed 2 years of the same therapy. Pooled data from four clinical studies indicate that the mean weight loss difference between Alli 120 mg three times a day and placebo treatment groups at year 2 in those patients who completed 1 year of treatment (ITT LOCF) was 3%. In the same studies cited in the One-year Results (see Table 6 ), the percentages of patients achieving a ≥5% and ≥10% weight loss after 2 years are shown in Table 8 .
Study No. | Intent-to-Treat Population | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
≥5% Weight Loss | ≥10% Weight Loss | ||||||||||
Alli | n | Placebo | n | p-value | Alli | n | Placebo | n | p-value | ||
The diet utilized during year 2 was designed for weight maintenance and not weight loss. | |||||||||||
14119C | 45.1% | 133 | 23.6% | 123 | <0.001 | 24.8% | 133 | 6.5% | 123 | <0.001 | |
14149 | 43.3% | 178 | 27.2% | 158 | 0.002 | 18.0% | 178 | 9.5% | 158 | 0.025 | |
14161 | 25.0% | 148 | 15.0% | 113 | 0.049 | 16.9% | 148 | 3.5% | 113 | 0.001 | |
14185 | 34.0% | 147 | 27.9% | 122 | 0.279 | 17.7% | 147 | 11.5% | 122 | 0.154 |
The relative changes in risk factors associated with obesity following 2 years of therapy were also assessed in the population as a whole and the population with abnormal risk factors at randomization.
Population as a Whole
The relative differences in risk factors between treatment with Alli and placebo were similar to the results following 1 year of therapy for total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, LDL/HDL ratio, triglycerides, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, and hip circumference. The relative differences between treatment groups for HDL cholesterol and systolic blood pressure were less than that observed in the year one results.
Population With Abnormal Risk Factors at Randomization
The relative differences in risk factors between treatment with Alli and placebo were similar to the results following 1 year of therapy for LDL- and HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting insulin, diastolic blood pressure, and waist circumference. The relative differences between treatment groups for LDL/HDL ratio and isolated systolic blood pressure were less than that observed in the year one results.
In the 4-year double-blind, placebo-controlled XENDOS study, the effects of Alli in delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes and on body weight were compared to placebo in 3304 obese patients who had either normal or impaired glucose tolerance at baseline. Thirty-four percent of the 1655 patients who were randomized to the placebo group and 52% of the 1649 patients who were randomized to the Alli group completed the 4-year study.
At the end of the study, the mean percent weight loss in the placebo group was -2.75% compared with -5.17% in the Alli group (see Figure 2 ). Forty-five percent of the placebo patients and 73% of the Alli patients lost ≥5% of their baseline body weight, and 21% of the placebo patients and 41% of the Alli patients lost ≥10% of their baseline body weight following the first year of treatment. Following 4 years of treatment, 28% of the placebo patients and 45% of the Alli patients lost ≥5% of their baseline body weight and 10% of the placebo patients and 21% of the Alli patients lost ≥10% of their baseline body weight. After 4 years of treatment, the mean % difference in weight loss between Alli treated patients and placebo was 2.5%.
Figure 2 Mean Change from Baseline Body Weight (Kgs) Over Time*
*ITT LOCF study population
The relative changes from baseline in risk factors associated with obesity following 4 years of therapy were assessed in the XENDOS study population (see Table 9 ).
Risk Factor | Alli 120 mg | Placebo |
---|---|---|
Metabolic: | ||
Total Cholesterol | -7.02% | -2.03% |
LDL-Cholesterol | -11.66% | -3.85% |
HDL-Cholesterol | +5.92% | +7.01% |
LDL/HDL | -0.53 | -0.33 |
Triglycerides | +3.64% | +1.30 |
Fasting Glucose, mmol/L | +0.12 | +0.23 |
Fasting Insulin, pmol/L | -24.93 | -15.71 |
Cardiovascular: | ||
Systolic Blood Pressure, mm Hg | -4.12 | -2.60 |
Diastolic Blood Pressure, mm Hg | -1.93 | -0.87 |
Anthropometric: | ||
Waist Circumference, cm | -5.78 | -3.99 |
Onset of Type 2 Diabetes in Obese Patients
In the XENDOS trial, in the overall population, Alli delayed the onset of type 2 diabetes such that at the end of four years of treatment the cumulative incidence rate of diabetes was 8.3% for the placebo group compared to 5.5% for the Alli group, p=0.01 (see Table 10 ). This finding was driven by a statistically-significant reduction in the incidence of developing type 2 diabetes in those patients who had impaired glucose tolerance at baseline ( Table 10 and Figure 3 ). Alli did not reduce the risk for the development of diabetes in patients with normal glucose tolerance at baseline.
The effect of Alli to delay the onset of type 2 diabetes in obese patients with IGT is presumably due to weight loss, and not to any independent effects of the drug on glucose or insulin metabolism. The effect of Alli on weight loss is adjunctive to diet and exercise.
OGTT at Baseline | Normal | Impaired | All | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Treatment | Placebo | Alli | Placebo | Alli | Placebo | Alli |
Number of patients | 1148 | 1235 | 324 | 337 | 1472 | 1572 |
# pts developing diabetes | 16 | 21 | 62 | 48 | 78 | 69 |
Life table rate | 2.1% | 1.7% | 27.2% | 18.7% | 8.3% | 5.5% |
Observed percent | 1.4% | 1.7% | 19.1% | 14.2% | 5.3% | 4.4% |
Absolute risk reduction | ||||||
Life table | 0.4% | 8.5% | 2.8% | |||
Observed | -0.3% | 4.9% | 0.9% | |||
Relative risk reduction | 8% | 42% | 34% | |||
p-value | 0.79 | <0.01 | 0.01 |
Figure 3
A 1-year double-blind, placebo-controlled study in type 2 diabetics (N=321) stabilized on sulfonylureas was conducted. Thirty percent of patients treated with Alli achieved at least a 5% or greater reduction in body weight from randomization compared to 13% of the placebo-treated patients (p<0.001). Table 11 describes the changes over 1 year of treatment with Alli compared to placebo, in sulfonylurea usage and dose reduction as well as in hemoglobin HbA1c, fasting glucose, and insulin.
Alli 120 mg (n=162) | Placebo (n=159) | Statistical Significance | |
---|---|---|---|
Statistical significance based on intent-to-treat population, last observation carried forward. | |||
% patients who discontinued dose of oral sulfonylurea | 11.7% | 7.5% | |
% patients who decreased dose of oral sulfonylurea | 31.5% | 21.4% | |
Average reduction in sulfonylurea medication dose | -22.8% | -9.1% | |
Body weight change (lbs) | -8.9 | -4.2 | |
HbA1c | -0.18% | +0.28% | |
Fasting glucose, mmol/L | -0.02 | +0.54 | |
Fasting insulin, pmol/L | -19.68 | -18.02 | ns |
In addition, Alli (n=162) compared to placebo (n=159) was associated with significant lowering for total cholesterol (-1.0% vs +9.0%, p≤0.05), LDL-cholesterol (-3.0% vs +10.0%, p≤0.05), LDL/HDL ratio (-0.26 vs -0.02, p≤0.05) and triglycerides (+2.54% vs +16.2%, p≤0.05), respectively. For HDL cholesterol, there was a +6.49% increase on Alli and +8.6% increase on placebo, p>0.05. Systolic blood pressure increased by +0.61 mm Hg on Alli and increased by +4.33 mm Hg on placebo, p>0.05. Diastolic blood pressure decreased by -0.47 mm Hg for Alli and by -0.5 mm Hg for placebo, p>0.05.
Two-year studies that included oral glucose tolerance tests were conducted in obese patients not previously diagnosed or treated for type 2 diabetes and whose baseline oral glucose tolerance test status at randomization was either normal, impaired, or diabetic.
The progression from a normal OGTT at randomization to a diabetic or impaired OGTT following 2 years of treatment with Alli (n=251) or placebo (n=207) were compared. Following treatment with Alli, 0.0% and 7.2% of the patients progressed from normal to diabetic and normal to impaired, respectively, compared to 1.9% and 12.6% of the placebo treatment group, respectively.
In patients found to have an impaired OGTT at randomization, the percent of patients improving to normal or deteriorating to diabetic status following 1 and 2 years of treatment with Alli compared to placebo are presented. After 1 year of treatment, 45.8% of the placebo patients and 73% of the Alli patients had a normal oral glucose tolerance test while 10.4% of the placebo patients and 2.6% of the Alli patients became diabetic. After 2 years of treatment, 50% of the placebo patients and 71.7% of the Alli patients had a normal oral glucose tolerance test while 7.5% of placebo patients were found to be diabetic and 1.7% of Alli patients were found to be diabetic after treatment.
The effects of Alli on body mass index (BMI) and weight loss were assessed in a 54-week multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 539 obese adolescents (357 receiving Alli 120 mg three times a day, 182 receiving placebo), aged 12 to 16 years. All study participants had a baseline BMI that was 2 units greater than the US weighted mean for the 95th percentile based on age and gender. Body mass index was the primary efficacy parameter because it takes into account changes in height and body weight, which occur in growing children.
During the study, all patients were instructed to take a multivitamin containing fat-soluble vitamins at least 2 hours before or after ingestion of Alli. Patients were also maintained on a well-balanced, reduced-calorie diet that was intended to provide 30% of calories from fat. In addition, all patients were placed on a behavior modification program and offered exercise counseling.
Approximately 65% of patients in each treatment group completed the study.
Following one year of treatment, BMI decreased by an average of 0.55 kg/m2 in the XENICAL-treated patients and increased by an average of 0.31 kg/m2 in the placebo-treated patients (p=0.001).
The percentages of patients achieving ≥5% and ≥10% reduction in BMI and body weight after 52 weeks of treatment for the intent-to-treat population are presented in Table 12 .
Intent-to-Treat Population | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
≥5% Decrease | ≥10% Decrease | |||||||
Alli | n | Placebo | n | Alli | n | Placebo | n | |
BMI | 26.5% | 347 | 15.7% | 178 | 13.3% | 347 | 4.5% | 178 |
Body Weight | 19.0% | 348 | 11.7% | 180 | 9.5% | 348 | 3.3% | 180 |
Alli is a turquoise, hard-gelatin capsule containing pellets of powder.
Alli 120 mg Capsules: Turquoise, two-piece, No. 1 opaque hard-gelatin capsule imprinted with ROCHE and Alli 120 in black ink - bottle of 90 (NDC 0004-0257-52).
Storage and Handling
Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). Keep bottle tightly closed.
Alli should not be used after the given expiration date.
See FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information)
Information for Patients
Patients should not take Alli if they are pregnant, have chronic malabsorption syndrome, cholestasis or hypersensitivity to Alli or to any component of this product .
Concomitant Medications
Patients should be asked if they are taking cyclosporine, beta carotene or vitamin E supplements, levothyroxine, warfarin, antiepileptic drugs, amiodarone, or antiretroviral drugs due to potential interactions .
Commonly Observed Adverse Events
Patients should be informed of the commonly-observed adverse events associated with the use of Alli which include oily spotting, flatus with discharge, fecal urgency, fatty/oily stool, oily evacuation, increased defecation, fecal incontinence .
Potential Risks and Benefits
Patients should be informed of potential risks which include lowered absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and potential liver injury, increases in urinary oxalate, and cholelithiasis . Treatment with Alli may result in weight loss and improvement in obesity-related risk factors due to weight loss .
Dosing Instructions
Patients should be counseled to take Alli as directed with meals or up to one hour after a meal. Patients should also be advised to take multivitamin supplementation at least two hours before or after the administration of Alli, or at bedtime .
Alli® is a registered trademark of Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc.
Distributed by:
Genentech USA, Inc.
A Member of the Roche Group
1 DNA Way
South San Francisco, CA 94080-4990
© 2016 Genentech, Inc. All rights reserved.
Patient Information
Alli® (zen' i-cal)
(orlistat)
Capsules
Read this Patient Information before you start taking Alli and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your medical condition or your treatment.
What is Alli?
Alli is a prescription medicine used with a low calorie diet to increase weight loss in people with obesity. Alli may help obese people lose weight and keep the weight off.
It is not known if Alli is safe and effective in children under 12 years old.
Who should not take Alli?
Do not take Alli if you:
Before you take Alli, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Alli and other medicines may affect each other causing side effects. Alli may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect the way Alli works.
Especially tell your doctor if you are taking:
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
How should I take Alli?
IF YOUR DAILY CALORIE LEVEL IS: | THE RECOMMENDED DAILY GRAMS OF FAT (in a 30% fat diet) ARE: |
---|---|
1500 | 50 |
1600 | 53 |
1800 | 60 |
2000 | 67 |
What are the possible risks of Alli?
Alli may cause serious side effects, including:
The most common side effects of Alli include:
These are not all the possible side effects of Alli.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store Alli?
Keep Alli and all medicines out of the reach of children.
General information about the safe and effective use of Alli.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use Alli for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Alli to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them.
This Patient Information leaflet summarizes the most important information about Alli. If you would like more information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your pharmacist or doctor for information about Alli that is written for health professionals.
For more information, call 1-877-GENENTECH (1-877-436-3683).
What are the ingredients in Alli?
Active Ingredient: Alli
Inactive Ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, sodium lauryl sulfate, povidone, talc, gelatin and titanium dioxide.
Turquoise capsule shell: FD&C Blue No. 2, with black printing ink containing pharmaceutical grade shellac, propylene glycol, strong ammonium solution, potassium hydroxide and black iron oxide.
Other Information: Body Mass Index
The chart below illustrates body mass index (BMI) according to a variety of weights and heights. Alli is intended for patients with a BMI of greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 or a BMI of greater than or equal to 27 kg/m2 in the presence of other risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol. The BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. To use this chart:
This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Alli® is a registered trademark of Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc.
Distributed by:
Genentech USA, Inc.
A Member of the Roche Group
1 DNA Way
South San Francisco, CA 94080-4990
PPI Revised: 8/2016
© 2016 Genentech, Inc. All rights reserved.
Representative sample of labeling :
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 120 mg Capsule Bottle Label
NDC 0004-0257-52
Alli®
(orlistat)
120 mg
Each capsule contains
120 mg Alli.
Rx only
90 capsules
Genentech
10161190
Depending on the reaction of the Alli after taken, if you are feeling dizziness, drowsiness or any weakness as a reaction on your body, Then consider Alli not safe to drive or operate heavy machine after consumption. Meaning that, do not drive or operate heavy duty machines after taking the capsule if the capsule has a strange reaction on your body like dizziness, drowsiness. As prescribed by a pharmacist, it is dangerous to take alcohol while taking medicines as it exposed patients to drowsiness and health risk. Please take note of such effect most especially when taking Primosa capsule. It's advisable to consult your doctor on time for a proper recommendation and medical consultations.
Is Alli addictive or habit forming?Medicines are not designed with the mind of creating an addiction or abuse on the health of the users. Addictive Medicine is categorically called Controlled substances by the government. For instance, Schedule H or X in India and schedule II-V in the US are controlled substances.
Please consult the medicine instruction manual on how to use and ensure it is not a controlled substance.In conclusion, self medication is a killer to your health. Consult your doctor for a proper prescription, recommendation, and guidiance.
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The information was verified by Dr. Rachana Salvi, MD Pharmacology