FDA - New Cautions on weight loss drugs and Levothyroxine

[stella5349]

Hello Members.

There has been new information released recently on the use of particular weight loss drugs and the use of Levothyroxine together. The specific weight loss medication is Alli ( which is the brand name for the medication  Rx Orlistat) Orlistat is a drug that promotes fat-blocking  -  taken with meals to help block some of the fat -- and therefore fewer intake of calories -- from meals, and aids in some weight loss.

Allthough - some NON thyroid patients can see benefits using Alli (Orlistat)  medication, cautions and testing on thyroid patients on any forms of Levothyroxine can see changes ( for the bad) in there hypothyroidism while taking this medication.

The FDA released in March 09 that it now requires the manufacturer of Alli to safety label the drug with certain information. Below is the new safety label that is now required on all Xenical weight loss information.

**  "Hypothyroidism has been reported in patients treated concomitantly with orlistat and levothyroxine" **

Under "Adverse Reactions / Other Clinical Studies or Postmarketing Surveillance,"  they have added,

** "Hypothyroidism has been reported in patients treated concomitantly with orlistat and levothyroxine." **

And lastly, under the FAQ information they added this

** "XENICAL and levothyroxine should be taken at least 4 hours apart"

I feel - even if you suspect a thyroid problem is an issue for you - but not actually diagnoised - you should consider checking this product out throughly before starting it. This is classically an appetite suppressant which effects hormone levels.  There are no available studies yet on if it slows the natural process of thyroid function down even without medication. It may just be drug interaction, but it's worth checking into first before starting.

I have read a few articles on interactions of Armour Thyroid and Xenical ( Alli (Orlistat) but nothing to my knowledge has been added as safety measures yet on that labeling of those two drugs together. I can't imagine it being much different though and it may be wise to consider the above information for you - even if you are an Armour thyroid patient.

I haven't been too impressed with this product since it came out for weight loss. I heard nasty stories about bowel issues and just chose to stay clear from this product. If you are considering Alli for appetite suppression and are on thyroid medication, two things should be done. 1- Don't take it together. 4 hrs apart is now recommended by the FDA and have your thyroid levels checked frequently. ( TSH - Free T3 and Free T4)  Watch those frees!

I know we are all looking for the "magic" answer for weight loss since our thyroids pooh-poohed us, but I have chosen to take a more sensible way to achieving weight loss. For best results on achieving weight lose after becoming hypothyroid I follow the rules of

Getting optimal on your thyroid medication naturally - so increase of metobolism can be achieved. Check your adrenal function. Make sure all is running right there too.

                  Stay clear from processed food - enriched flour - and sugar products.
                  Watch your fruit intake (sugar carbs) if not try to eliminate it - including fruit juices and soda.
                  Increase water intake and water soluable vitaminB complexes.
                  Move forward on whole grain - high protein - and dark green leafy veggies in your regular diet
                  Get out and enjoy the outdoors.. Walk - yoga and simple paced exercise is good 30 to 45 minutes of  mild cardio is great.

Good Luck!! - This thyroid stuff is tough on our goals to lose those love handles. I battle with it daily, but I have high hopes  - I will eventually get back to where I want - safely and with better health habits!

[ChitChatNine]

GREAT INFO .. thanks for posting.  

[mw1943]

Fantastic job on your weight loss. Thanks for the heads up on the diet pills.
Cheers!!!!

[laura1967]

Great info Stella!!!!!