Warning Issued on Weight-Loss Drugs

The FDA is strengthening the warning on two popular weight loss pills. Both contain a compound, orlistat, that interferes with the absorption of fat from the small intestine. The prescription form is sold as Xenical and the over the counter form as Alli. According to the FDA, patients should be aware of the possibility of liver damage. Although only a few cases have been reported, liver toxicity is so serious that the agency determined a caution is appropriate at this time. Symptoms of liver problems include yellow skin and eyes, dark urine, itching, pale stool and loss of appetite.