alli Product Tampering Prompts GSK To Alert Consumers

GlaxoSmithKline announced that it is alerting consumers to tampering in some bottles of its over the counter (OTC) weight loss product alli. The company said it is working with the FDA to investigate the product tampering.

alli (60 mg orlistat capsules) is currently the only FDA approved over-the-counter weight loss aid with clinically proven efficacy in boosting weight loss efforts. The drug is indicated for weight loss in overweight adults 18 years of age and older when used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie and low fat diet.

GSK said tampered products were found by consumers who purchased them at retail stores in seven states: Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. The company described tampered products as having an outer carton that may look authentic, but with a bottle missing a label or containing a range of tablets and capsules with different shapes and colors. alli bottle’s tamper evident seal may not be intact, made up of other materials other than foil, and/or missing the authentic wording Sealed for your Protection. In addition, the lot numbers and expiration dates might not match the same information printed on the outer carton of the product.

The company described authentic alli product as “…a turquoise blue capsule with a dark blue band. It is packaged in a labeled bottle that has an inner foil seal imprinted with the words: “Sealed for your Protection.” The same Lot and Expiration Date codes should be printed on both the bottle label and the outer carton.” Consumers are advised to check reference photos for security.

Inauthentic alli products should not be consumed and should be reported to the company. If suspicious alli products have been consumed, consumers are advised to contact their healthcare provider. The company asked for cooperation from consumers regarding the product tampering investigation.