Updates

New Statement from GSK to address alli and Liver Disease Concerns

2009-09-02T15:09:00Z

The following is an updated GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare statement in response to the FDA’s Early Communication about the safety review of Orlistat:

On August 24th the FDA reported that it is continuing its safety review of orlistat and liver-related serious adverse events.

It’s important consumers know that alli is safe and effective and there’s no evidence to suggest alli causes liver injury. In fact, the FDA has said that consumers should continue to use alli as directed.

http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/alli/39949/

Because orlistat is minimally absorbed in the blood and works locally in the gastro-intestinal tract, there is no obvious biological mechanism to suggest liver injury can occur with alli.

To put FDA’s communication into perspective, there is a high prevalence of liver disease in people who are overweight. It is estimated that about 15-20% of obese people have liver injury due to excessive fat in the liver. [1] Additionally, in obese individuals, gradual weight loss can prevent injury or improve liver function.

The August 24th communication is part of FDA’s current process of sharing information directly with consumers and healthcare professional related to the safety monitoring of marketed drug products. This does not mean that FDA has concluded that there is a risk.

Since orlistat first became available as a prescription medicine in 1998, more than 40 million people have used the drug. Of these, more than 6 million have used alli, the only FDA-approved over-the-counter weight loss product. The FDA identified two reports out of the six million consumers who have used alli since its approval in 2007.

Orlistat, the active ingredient in alli, is the most-studied weight loss medicine. Its safety has been established through 100 clinical studies involving more than 30,000 patients.

GSK continues to proactively monitor the safety of orlistat and share all relevant information with regulatory agencies. Based on our comprehensive review of the safety data from preclinical, clinical, post-marketing safety surveillance, published literature as well as epidemiology data, we conclude that the data do not suggest that orlistat is causally related to liver injury.

We are actively working with the FDA to better understand the reports it has received. If you have concerns, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist. For more information on the safety and efficacy of alli, please visit http://www.myalli.com/ and/or call 1-800-671-2554.

FOR ACCESS TO EXPERT COMMENT:
Malesia Dunn
malesia.a.dunn@gsk.com
412-200-3544

Mechal Weiss
mechal.weiss@edelman.com
212-642-7731
917-952-4807

[1] Preiss, D., Sattar, N. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: An overview of prevalence, diagnosis, pathogenesis and treatment considerations. (2008) Clinical Science, 115 (5-6), pp. 141-150.

alli statement on FDA hepatotoxicity issues

2009-08-26T20:30:00Z

GSK stands firmly behind the safety and efficacy of alli. Our primary priority is patient health, and we want people to know that there is no evidence that alli causes liver damage.

The FDA is reviewing data from suspected cases on liver injury associated with the use of orlistat/alli. Any routine assessment from a regulatory body does not mean that a risk or causal relationship exists.

alli is a 'non-systemically' acting medicine - it is minimally absorbed in the blood and works locally in the gastro-intestinal tract. There is therefore no obvious biological mechanism to suggest liver damage can occur with alli.

Liver changes can have many causes. People who are overweight and obese are predisposed to liver-related disorders.

The safety of consumers is of utmost importance to GSK. We continually monitor and evaluate reports of adverse effects associated with use of all of our products, including alli.

GSK regularly communicates with independent regulatory bodies and provides them with comprehensive safety data on our products. Orlistat, the active ingredient in alli, is the most-studied weight loss medicine, with safety established through 100 clinical studies involving more than 30 thousand patients.

Wynonna is the new face of alli!

2009-02-10T21:33:00Z

“Everyone’s story is different. I need a program that is flexible, that supports my lifestyle and that can help me make lasting changes. With alli on my side, there’s a new chapter to my story and it’s full of hope. I’m doing it right this time. You can too.” ~ Wynonna Judd

With the help of alli®, Wynonna Judd started a new, healthier chapter in her life. You can learn more about how alli is working for her, and how it could work for you, on our new site — my story my alli. Take a look and you’ll find:
• Wy’s personal story and experience with alli
• Free downloads like wallpapers and Wy’s favorite alli recipes
• Exclusive music offers and more (coming soon!)

Check it out!

myalliplan introduces new meal and activity plan features

2008-12-18T18:21:00Z

By purchasing alli and registering as a member of myalliplan, you receive customized tools to help you reach your weight-loss goals. We are excited to announce that we have enhanced these tools to help you achieve and maintain healthy weight loss. These updates include:

a combined meal plan and nutrition log to make entering your daily food intake quick and easy
cooking videos that demonstrate how to make easy and delicious alli-friendly meals
a food analyzer to look up nutritional information of your favorite foods
an updated water intake log
new activity videos that demonstrate simple and easy-to-follow exercise plans (your very own personal trainer!)

So if you're already a member of myalliplan, check out the new tools now.

If you're not you can register for myalliplan here.

alli proudly supports Breast Cancer Network of Strength

2008-08-29T18:16:00Z

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, alli has become a sponsor of Breast Cancer Network of Strength, to promote the power of encouraging words between survivors and those whose lives have been touched by breast cancer.

learn more about Breast Cancer Network of Strength

alli has made a $150,000 contribution to Breast Cancer Network of Strength. Breast Cancer Network of Strength name and emblem are used with its permission which in no way constitutes an endorsement, express or implied, of this product.

get the truth about alli and save $10

2008-08-05T16:38:00Z

Don't let misinformation stop you from reaching your weight loss goals.
Read all about the myths, the facts and the realities of alli and save $10.

learn more now

introducing allicircles: a new community of support

2008-07-10T20:26:00Z

We are excited to announce the new alli community, allicircles. It's now the home of the alli message boards and real allistories- but even more, allicircles is a place to:

create a profile
find people you can relate to
build a circle of friends

Weight loss is a journey that isn't always easy, but with allicircles, you can find the support you're looking for. So come help the allicircles community thrive. Share. Learn. Inspire. Your voice is welcome here.

explore allicircles

eat well on your way to weight loss with alli – introducing the alli Cookbook with Restaurant Guide

2008-04-09T14:49:00Z

The alli Cookbook is full of delicious choices to make meal time more enjoyable and fits the nutrition guidelines recommended for use with the alli program. Included in the book are:

* Over 200 recipes for main dishes, sides and desserts – many with color photos;
* Meal plans to help make weekly meals easy;
* Special menus and recipes for year-round celebrations;
* Detailed nutrition information for each complete meal

And for nights you want a break from eating in, the alli Cookbook also includes a tear-out restaurant guide to great establishments such as Applebee’s, Panera Bread Company, Starbucks, Pizza Hut and PF Chang’s just to name a few. Plus great tips on how to order “alli-friendly” food at your favorite eatery.

Buy now on amazon.com

check out our new health and fitness videos

2008-04-07T15:14:00Z

Ready to get fit for the summer? Let us help with our new videos from health and fitness experts.Take a moment to browse through them now and learn techniques for working out at home, getting results at the gym, and preparing a delicious meal for dinner tonight. And make sure to check back often for new additions!

view videos

eDiets to deliver delicious, alli-friendly, freshly prepared meals

2008-04-07T15:07:00Z

alli® users can now receive great-tasting food at their doorsteps through freshly prepared meals from alli & eDiets. eDiets is rated #1 for taste and nutrition*. And with several meal selections for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, alli users can follow a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet with no prepping and no cooking.

*rated #1 by epicurious.com for best taste and nutrition in a survey of five popular brands.
Learn more

Learn more about freshly prepared meals from alli

learn to live healthier with tips from our featured articles

2008-02-19T16:03:00Z

Visit the myalli.com articles section where you can find tips to losing weight for good and techniques for turning healthy foods into satisfying meals.

Check back regularly to read new articles about healthy living.

visit the new alli food section

2008-02-13T21:09:00Z

Losing weight doesn’t have to be a bland, tasteless affair. Visit the new alli food section, where you can view:

With help from our food section, you can learn how to enjoy some of your favorite foods without sacrificing any of the flavor.

now available: 2008 alli Calendar from Vogue Magazine

2008-02-13T20:54:00Z

alli and Vogue magazine have partnered to provide a 2008 alli calendar. The January 2008 issue of Vogue includes a 28-page pull-out calendar featuring beautiful and fashionable women for every month along with motivation tips for losing weight. For your convenience, we are posting this calendar to download and use for motivation throughout the year.
download the 2008 alli calendar, PDF (2.5MB)

In addition, three mini-episodes on healthy entertaining will be posted online on ShopVogueTV in March, September, and December 2008.

new alli commercial- "this time will be different"

2008-02-07T22:29:00Z

Commit to alli- the only FDA approved, over-the-counter weight loss product.

find out what makes alli different

tour the "alli experience" and learn more about alli and healthy living

2008-01-17T21:56:00Z

Visit the "alli experience" where you can learn about alli, get healthy weight loss tips from our diet expert, learn how to stock your kitchen for sucess, and much more.

tour the "alli experience"