Xenical Lawsuits

The prescription weight loss drug Xenical, which contains orlistat, has been linked with reports of liver injury, which could be serious and potentially life-threatening. The FDA initiated an investigation into the potential Xenical side effects in August 2009, to determine if a direct relationship exists between reports of liver damage and Xenical.

XENICAL LAWSUIT STATUS: The ongoing FDA safety review of orlistat is being monitored by product liability lawyers, to determine whether potential Xenical liver damage lawsuits may be viable for users who have suffered an injury

MANUFACTURER: Roche

OVERVIEW: Xenical (orlistat 60mg) is a weight loss drug approved by the FDA in 1999. It is available as a prescription for obesity management in conjunction with a reduced calorie diet and to reduce the risk of weight gain after prior weight loss.

In 2008, Xenical generated sales of $30 million. A lower dose, over-the-counter version is marketed as Alli (orlistat 60mg). Known side effects of Xenical include oily and loose stools, fecal incontinence, frequent or urgent bowel movements and flatulence, which tend to be most severe when the treatment is started and may decrease with time.

XENICAL LIVER SIDE EFFECTS: On August 24, 2009, the FDA issued an early communication indicating that at least 32 reports of serious liver damage with Xenical and Alli have been received in connection with the use of orlistat drugs. The reports included six cases of liver failure and 27 incidents that resulted in hospitalization.

The most commonly reported side effects were a yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, known as jaundice, weakness and abdominal pain. The FDA indicates that they are reviewing these and other possible liver injury reports as part of an on-going safety review. The drug regulatory agency has not determined that there is a definite association between liver injury and Xenical or other orlistat drugs, and still recommends that consumers continue using the drug as prescribed by their physicians.

Anyone using Xenical should contact their health care professional if they experience symptoms of liver injury, including:

• Weakness or fatigue
• Fever
• Jaundice
• Brown Urine

Tags: Xenical