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M$1.75 August 25, 2009 07:41 PM

Would you still take a weight loss drug if it were "possibly" linked to liver damage?

Orlistat, the drug in Alli and Xenical is being probed by the FDA for a possible link to liver damage. Would you continue to take such a drug although there is no 'warning' against using it?
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August 25, 2009 09:09 PM
It's about risk benefit ratio
If I was morbidly obese and had tried everything else and still could not lose weight. Then yes the potential benefit to my general health of losing weight far outweighs the possible risk of liver damage with the drug.

But if I had less risky options to explore like dieting and more exercise, then no Iwould go for the less risky option


Tags: weightloss

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Voted as best: ewpldf, kareul, pellrider, buddawiggi
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August 25, 2009 07:48 PM
If I was an Alli user, I would probably not stop after this report. In the grand scheme of things, so many things cause liver damage, like alcohol and even tylenol. While the extent of the damage I'm sure varies, unless this is some significant damage and the FDA pulls it, I don't see people stopping the use. Heck, people are still using black market ephedra, and that is horrible for the body.

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August 25, 2009 08:01 PM
I would never take a pill to deal with an emotional issue - no matter what the magical properties are reported to be.

I know the weight loss would only be temporary since a pill does not take care of the underlying issues.

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Unhelpful: angiem1981

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August 25, 2009 08:06 PM
My initial reaction is that of course I wouldn’t take a weight-loss drug that was not approved by the FDA, but that’s coming from someone who hasn’t reached the position where they are taking that drug in the first place. For some Alli/Xenical users this would be a significant enough story to stop them from using the drug, but I think plenty are going to agree with Debbie Bolding (quoted in the following AP story: http://bit.ly/Jx0h4) that “Liver changes have many causes” and continue along taking the drugs.

In my opinion (a non-medical one, at that), these drugs should be last resorts (to diet and exercise), but for many (as represented by $600 Million in sales for Alli & Xenical in 2008 referenced in the AP article) this is now a serious question. I think I would certainly do everything in my power to avoid this if I could.
Source(s):
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jG7OW98AMMMBSLYGmi2MrcP5F...


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August 25, 2009 08:18 PM
Only if my weight had gotten to the point where the risk of heart disease outweighed the risks of liver damage.

I am personally trying to loose weight but thankfully it is more for cosmetic rather then immediate health reasons

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August 25, 2009 09:35 PM
A few years ago I became seriously ill. And once I was out of ITU I piled on alot of weight due to steroids. The GP gave me this drug (orlistat). However, had I known it had a possible link to liver damage I would NOT have taken it and looked for alternative weight loss methods which I finally did.

Although there is no warning there, people should be aware of such post effects of taking such a drug. Its like smoking, the warning is there but then people choose to heed such a warning or not.

I always tend to research drugs before I take any form of medication and I think for those who have access to the internet they should be encourage to read up more on what they are taking..

Tags: loss, orlistat, weight

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August 26, 2009 12:13 AM
I would not. My life is valuable to myself, and my family.

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August 26, 2009 01:54 AM
ABSOLUTELY NO WAY WHATSOEVER.

There is no chance, for a start, that I would take or trust any weight loss drug anyone could throw at me.

However, for the sake of argument let's say I had been taking this drug and it had been very successful in my experience.

If I then saw this news that it was POSSIBLY linked to liver damage, I would stop taking it IMMEDIATELY!

Sorry for all the capitals, I know it looks angry but it's just that I'm used to being able to put things in bold ;)
Source(s):
Opinion


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August 26, 2009 02:39 AM
As my mother so eloquently put it,

What doesn't damage your liver these days?
Source(s):
my mom


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August 26, 2009 12:12 PM
I've lost 50 pounds this year without drugs. Since I wasn't taking them before this possible side effect, I certainly won't be taking them now. Remember Phen-fen? Weight loss drugs should not be more dangerous than the obesity.

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August 26, 2009 04:10 PM
First, you need to make clear whether taking diet drug suitable for you. Is there any other better ways to help you lose weight. Taking diet drug is the last choice.
If you don't have other choice, take the drug. All drugs will have possible liver damage because liver is the organ to metabolize drugs. If it is approved by FDA already, and no serious liver side effect report in recently 10 to 20 years, it should be considered safe.
Just remember, when you are taking medicine, make sure you don't have any liver disease now. If yes, be sure to consult the digestive doctor. Also it is better to quit alcohol and other liver damaging stuff, so that liver can obtain its capability to fight against the damage that diet drug caused. And don't take it too often or for too long a time. Liver has its ability to regenerate and repair itself. If damage is too often or consistant, it will cause chronic disease.

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August 27, 2009 06:59 AM
I probably wouldn't if there was sufficient evidence that this was a possibility. I think most of us have enough health problems to deal with and I wouldn't choose to add another one to the list if I could avoid it especially if it was for weight loss because you might just gain the weight back again and then you would be stuck with liver issues and the extra weight. I would choose to lose weight another way that is healthier.

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August 27, 2009 10:36 PM
My answer would greatly vary if I knew if these drugs lowered cholesterol or just zapped the fat. I think that if you are very obese and this drug can lower your cholesterol, you should take it! This is because you have a higher chance of dying for cholesterol related obesity than liver failure. Finally, this drug has a POSSIBLE link to liver failure, but i think that this would only be the case if you are a alcoholic.

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August 29, 2009 12:00 AM
I think that a lot of times the FDA just search for reasons to recall products. Many things are thought to be linked to liver damage so I don't think this should really affect you that negatively. Honestely I don't really believe in diet pills and substances. I know for a fact you can do it all on your own. While they can help you need to weigh the pros and cons of using them. If you personally feel the pros out weight the cons then go for it if not just start eating a 1200-1400 calorie diet per day, exercising about a half hour four times a week, and attempt to make all those calories healthy calories. If you do this you should loose weight in no time without the use of a drug!

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August 29, 2009 03:24 AM
This depends, and should be a question for your doctor. Many drugs that are linked to certain bodily damages and malfunctions may not include the populace in general. For example, those who have had liver damage as a result may possibly not have been good candidates for this anyway. Certain conditions and other medications can increase the likelihood of this occuring. This is I way I say you should speak to your doctor. You may not be in this risk group, or you could be. Do you take acetaphetamine, the main ingredient in Tylenol and other over the counter pain relievers? This is also linked to liver damage and can cause DEATH if you overdose. You need to know the risk factors and whether or not or how they apply to you. FYI, I'm a nursing student and am currently employed at a regional hospital. Medications have a varying effect on different patients. Hope this answers your question. Make sure you keep your personal risk factors in perspective.

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August 29, 2009 04:36 AM
No i wouldn't do that i won't risk my life just to lose weight that way. i would exercise and eat right.

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October 27, 2009 07:22 AM
Why would you invest to such kind of drugs if you know that they have bad effects to your health only fools would do such thing. Well there are lots of safe weight loss tips or programs to use.
Source(s):
http://atrractingweightloss.com/wordpress/


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