GlaxoSmithKline Recalls alli®

MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa., March 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Healthcare is voluntarily recalling all alli® weight loss products from U.S. and Puerto Rico retailers as the company believes that some packages of the product were tampered with and may contain product that is not authentic alli®.  GSK is conducting an investigation and is working with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on this retailer level recall.

GSK received inquiries from consumers in seven states about bottles of alli® that contained tablets and capsules that were not alli®.  A range of tablets and capsules of various shapes and colors were reported to be found inside bottles.  Additionally, some bottles inside the outer carton were missing labels and had tamper-evident seals that were not authentic.  These tampered products were purchased in retail stores. 

"Safety is our first priority and we are asking retailers and pharmacies to remove all alli® from their shelves immediately," said Colin Mackenzie, President Consumer Healthcare North America. "We have posted a Consumer Alert on our website, www.myalli.com, and issued a News Release with information and photographs to help consumers determine if their alli® is authentic."

alli® is a turquoise blue capsule with a dark blue band imprinted with the text "60 Orlistat". It is packaged in a labeled bottle that has an inner foil seal imprinted with the words: "Sealed for Your Protection." Consumers should confirm any alli® in their possession matches this description.  Pictures of the product are available on our website: www.myalli.com.

Consumers who have product they are unsure or concerned about should not use it. Instead, they should call GSK promptly at 800-671-2554, and a representative will provide further instructions. If they have consumed questionable product, they should also contact their healthcare providers.

"We are committed to finding out what happened and to doing everything possible to prevent future issues with alli®," said Mackenzie. "We regret any inconvenience caused by this retailer recall."

Media contact:  Deborah Bolding ([email protected]) (412-327-5540)

About alli®

alli® (60 mg orlistat capsules) is the only FDA approved over-the-counter weight loss aid clinically proven to help boost weight loss efforts. alli® is for weight loss in overweight adults, 18 years and older when used along with a reduced-calorie and low fat diet.

About GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare is one of the world's largest over-the-counter consumer healthcare products companies. Its well-known brands include Nicorette® and NicoDerm® CQ, the leading smoking cessation products; alli®, the only FDA-OTC weight loss aid; as well as medicine cabinet staples, Aquafresh®, Sensodyne®, Tums®, and Breathe Right®, all of which are trademarks owned by and/or licensed to GSK Group of Companies.

About GlaxoSmithKline

GlaxoSmithKline -- one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies -- is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For company information visit: http://www.gsk.com.

SOURCE GlaxoSmithKline