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MHRA warning
Counterfeit Alli
Dr Allan Tennant reports
28th of January 2010
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is warning consumers of the dangers of buying medicines from unregulated websites after the discovery in the United States of counterfeit Alli, a weight loss drug.
The counterfeit Alli can be distinguished from the genuine product by the following means:
the absence of a Lot code on the end flap of the outer packaging
a plain foil inner safety seal under the plastic cap, without any printed words - the authentic product seal is marked ‘sealed for your protection'
the counterfeit capsules contain white powder instead of small white pellets.
In the UK, the legitimate product is not available in packs of 120, only in smaller packs of 42 and 84. Every authentic capsule is clearly marked ‘Alli' in the licensed UK product and ‘Orlistat' in the legitimate US product. Counterfeit capsules are not marked at all.
Dispensing doctors should warn patients taking medications such as weight reduction medicines and products for erectile dysfunction not to purchase these products over the internet. It is those products with an embarrassment factor over the dispensary counter that make patient go to the internet.
DDA Online FAQ : What should a Dispensing Doctor do if there are concerns that a medicine is counterfeit?