Drugging America - FDA Approves Orlistat for Over-the-Counter Use
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved orlistat capsules on February 7 as an over-the-counter (OTC) weight loss aid for overweight adults. Orlistat was initially approved in 1999 as a prescription drug to treat obesity, and remains a prescription drug for obesity at a higher dose than the OTC version. You have to wonder at the sense in that move. It is clearly possible for people to purchase extra quantities and take a prescription-only level dose without consulting a prescriber.
OTC orlistat will be manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline under the name Alli and is indicated for use in adults ages 18 years and older along with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet, and exercise program. Of course, if people can manage a reduced calorie diet and exercise one wonders why they need this drug, aside from making money for GlaxoSmithKline's shareholders.