How powerful is Xenical?

[melmel]

Xenical must be somewhat powerful if it is only available through prescription. How powerful is it? Is it dangerously powerful?

[maggie]

Well, a half-strength version is now available without a prescription. I don't think it would have been approved even at that strength if it were really dangerous for the average person.

[melmel]

Originally Posted by maggie

Well, a half-strength version is now available without a prescription. I don't think it would have been approved even at that strength if it were really dangerous for the average person.

Alli is the half strength version, right?

I wonder how they decide whether or not to make it require prescription. Do you know?

[maggie]

I think it has something to do with the likelihood of serious side effects, especially the long term ones that need monitoring. For instance, there are some prescription medicines that require you have kidney or liver function tests on a regular basis.

[mariee]

I think maggie is right. I just think that there is a certain point where the risks are too great to sell the product without prescription. It doesn't mean the product is dangerous. It just means the product is strong.