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As title states. Interested in any comment / opinions.
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22/1/09 PJ Link - Orlistat - OTC "Alli"
Regards
Active Member
Hello All,
As title states. Interested in any comment / opinions.
More specifically from the community based among you...
22/1/09 PJ Link - Orlistat - OTC "Alli"
Regards
Member
Well personally I think its a good move.
I can not think of a single patient I've seen when locuming who had been given suitable advice on the side effects, ect of orlistat by the prescriber (and they are not side effects i'd want to discover unexpectedly!!). They had their BMI checked, confirmed they were overweight and sent off with a prescription. No further weight loss support or advice on foods to avoid or how to maintain a healthy diet.
Considering the time I've spent ensuring that patients are better prepared I'd say we deserve to be running the weight loss programme ourselves and then at least gain some recognition for our efforts.
Active Member
Fair enough. Absolutely agree. However, do you think it is right for this drug to be used at all? By converting it to OTC it is definitely encouraging people to try it. Could this give the wrong idea to people and possibly suggest that to lose weight and become healty "one merely must take a pill" ?
Member
I do see your point, but to be honest that seems to be the opinion the patients have at the moment! They go to the GP, prove they are obese and take a prescription for a pill to make it go away. The lack of advice on the actual mechanism of action re-inforces that. The only reason people aren't using it as much as they might once its a P-med is because they are often too embarassed to go to the GP and ask for help.
By selling it as a P medicine we have the opportunity to councel the patients to a decent standard and ascertain whether they understand the need to change their lifestyle. If they won't change their eating habits then you simply don't sell it!
If it can be combined with a proper weight management programme then I think it has the potential to help a lot of people, and considering the rising obesity problem we have in this country then its surely worth a try!
Registered Pharmacist
Why perpetuate the myth that there is a pill for all ills?
The answer for clinical or morbid obesity is appropriate management. This may or may not include medication, but if carried out properly will be a long term strategy to adjust habit.
The answer for those who are merely overweight is increased exercise and moderation of eating habits.
Can't think of a cohort who would need Orlistat without appropriate support.
Bit like making methadone otc in the hope that addiction problems would just go away.
Registered Pharmacist
Just had rep in for Alli, 4 week pack will cost £49.95(2 week pack also available). All supplies to be delivered end of March and early April. We're not allowed to sell before 22nd April.
Rep will be coming round to do training before launch date.
Thousand Plus Poster !!!
I suspect that most people won't be the slightest bit interested once they discover the price. Off to the GP.........£7.10 or more often £0.Originally Posted by JonF
Bobbin
Registered Pharmacist
I think the price is a bit steep, but i do think a lot of people will pay for it. Many people will do anything to lose weight and I'm sure there will be a huge amount of advertising to promote it on breakfast tv, womens mags etc.
As long as it is sold responsibly with proper counselling and advice then i see no problems and ringing tills!
Thousand Plus Poster !!!
That would be good! I just think a lot of people will be asking 'can I get it on prescription'.
Registered Pharmacist
But will the GP's prescribe it??
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