GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare alerts consumers today that a small quantity of fake weight loss product, falsely packaged and labeled as alli® has been sold on online auction websites, such as eBay. The FDA has reassured consumers that "there is no evidence at this time that counterfeit alli products has been sold through other channels, such as retail stores." Consumers can have confidence buying alli only from reputable retailers or from their branded online websites. When purchased from these reputable retailers, consumers can have confidence the product is genuine and they should continue use.

The falsely packaged and labeled products are the 60mg, 120ct refill packs only. The products are sold on online auction sites directly to consumers and are falsely represented as the genuine alli product.

Preliminary testing confirms that the counterfeit products do not contain the active ingredient orlistat, which is found in the authentic alli product. The prescription drug sibutramine has been detected in the fake product. Sibutramine is the active ingredient in the prescription drug, Meridia. Sibutramine could potentially interact with other medications the consumer may be taking and there are dosing differences between alli (three times a day) and Meridia (once a day).More »