A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
| Fact Table |
|
| Formula |
C29H53NO5 |
| License |
EU EMA, US FDA |
| Bioavailability |
Negligible |
| Legal status |
RX Only |
| Chemical Name |
Orlistat |
| Elimination half-life |
1-2 hours |
| Dosage (Strength) |
0.4ml each (30 vials, 60 vials), 0.05% (5.5ml) |
| Pregnancy |
Consult a doctor |
| Brands |
Alli, Xenical |
| Protein binding |
greater than 99% |
| PubChem CID |
3034010 |
| MedlinePlus |
a601244 |
| ChEBI |
94686 |
| ATC code |
A08AB01 |
| DrugBank |
DB01083 |
| KEGG |
D04028 |
| Routes of administration |
Oral |
Take 1 capsule with each main meal that has fat, up to 3 capsules a day. Skip the dose if you skip the meal or the meal has no fat. Use Alli with a lower-calorie, low-fat diet and regular exercise. Eating less fat can help Alli work better and may reduce digestive side effects.
Take a daily multivitamin at bedtime, as Alli can lower your body’s absorption of some vitamins. Most weight loss happens in the first 6 months. Start with diet and exercise before adding Alli, and check with your doctor before starting an exercise program. If you stop taking Alli, continue your diet and exercise. If you start to regain weight, you may restart Alli along with your diet and exercise plan.
The active ingredient in each capsule is orlistat. The inactive ingredients may include edible ink, FD and C blue no. 2, gelatin, iron oxide, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium starch glycolate, talc, and titanium dioxide.
Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:
Ask a healthcare provider before use if you have ever had gallbladder problems, kidney disease or kidney stones, or pancreatitis.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you take any of the following, as some doses may need adjusting or some medicines may not work as well with orlistat: blood thinners, or anticoagulants; amiodarone, a heart medicine; diabetes medicine; thyroid medicine; seizure medicine; or antiretroviral, or HIV, medicines. Also, check first if you are taking any other weight loss products.
Take a multivitamin once a day at bedtime while using Alli, since orlistat can reduce the absorption of some vitamins.
Rare reports of liver injury have occurred. Stop using it and ask a healthcare provider if you develop itching, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, or loss of appetite.
Rare reports of kidney injury have occurred. Stop use and ask a healthcare provider if you develop severe pain in the back or groin, painful urination, blood in the urine, swelling of the legs or feet, or severely reduced urination.
Stop use and ask a healthcare provider if severe or continuous abdominal pain occurs, or if you take seizure medicine and your seizures happen more often or get worse.
Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) and protect from excessive light, humidity, and temperatures over 30°C (86°F).
Because orlistat keeps some dietary fat from being absorbed, that fat passes out of the body and can cause changes in bowel movements, especially if your diet is high in fat. Common effects may include:
These digestive effects are usually most noticeable early in treatment, and eating a low-fat diet lowers the chance of having them. Stop using Alli and contact a healthcare provider if you have signs of liver problems, such as itching, yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, or loss of appetite; signs of kidney problems, such as severe back or groin pain, painful urination, blood in the urine, swelling of the legs or feet, or urinating less than normal; or severe or continuous abdominal pain. Seek medical care for signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
Alli Prescribing Information. Warren, NJ: Haleon US Holdings LLC; 2026.
Alli Drug Label Information. Warren, NJ: Haleon US Holdings LLC; 2026.