Orlistat is a drug designed to treat obesity by decreasing the amount of fat absorbed by the intestines. It is used by many individuals in the UK.
Orlistat has been available on the market as a prescription drug since 2001 under the sale name of Xenical. Since, April 2009, Orlistat has also been available as a non-prescription drug over the counter under the name Alli.
The drug is currently under investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK, has also received a number of reports of side effects linked to Orlistat, since Alli was recently introduced on to the UK market in April this year.
There have been recent reports that Orlistat may be responsible for serious side effects, affecting the kidneys, the heart, the liver, and the digestive system. Reported cases of fatalities, possibly linked to the drug, are currently under investigation.
Leigh Day & Co currently represents claimants who have suffered problems following their use of another diet drug Acomplia (Rimonabant).
If you are concerned that you or a member of your family may have been affected by Alli or Xenical, we suggest that you consult your medical advisers as soon as possible. Leigh Day & Co’s product liability team has unrivalled experience in dealing with claims relating to defective drugs and medical devices. If you would like to talk to one of our solicitors about a possible claim, please contact
Jill Paterson on 0207 650 1311.
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