Regulators have warned that the popular diet drug, Alli, can cause serious liver damage.
Even though the symptoms are said to be rare, dieters have been warned to keep an eye out for symptoms including itching, yellow skin or eyes, or reduced appetite.
The regulators had undertaken an investigation of Alli, the diet drug that is available over-the counter, made by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), and Xenical, the prescription version of the medication.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the USA has issued this warning, after 13 cases of severe liver damage amongst users of the diet drug.
The organisation has requested GSK to change the label of the drug in the USA in order to inform consumers of the potential risk.
Alli has been available in Britain since last April and is aimed at those slimming to lose weight .
It is meant to to just be sold to those who are overweight; nonetheless, there is evidence that chemists have been selling the drug to slim people.
Internationally, the FDA estimates 40 million people have already used this drug.
A spokesperson for Alli stated that the ruling is not going to make a difference to packaging in Britain, which already warns the public about possible liver problems.
GSK has gone on record in the past to say that obese and overweight people are more likely to develop liver conditions.
GSK’s chief medical officer for GSK, stated: “GSK is committed to ensuring that consumers and physicians understand the safety profile of orlistat and alli.
“GSK wants people to have the information they need to choose the right weight loss aid for their situation.”
The FDA stated: “At this time, a cause-and-effect relationship … has not been established.”