Can you take Alli and metformin together? (+3 studies)

In this article, we will discuss if you can take Alli and metformin together or not. We will also be sharing if it is beneficial to take them together, guided by relevant research and data.

Can you take Alli and Metformin together?

Yes, you can take Alli and metformin together if prescribed by the healthcare provider. According to research, they do not show any side effects or interactions when combined and are well-tolerated (1).

Alli, also better known by its drug name orlistat is a medication used to manage obesity. It showcases its effect by inhibiting enzymes like gastric and pancreatic lipases in a reversible manner (2).

This results in the prevention of hydrolysis of triglycerides, because of which fatty acids cannot be absorbed. The optimal effect of Alli is achieved when it is used along with diet and exercise (2).

Metformin is an antidiabetic agent that is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It exerts its antihyperglycemic effects by reduction of glucose output in the liver (3).

Metformin is also used in the treatment of gestational diabetes, in the prevention and management of maternal weight gain and polycystic ovary syndrome as well as weight disturbances caused by the use of antipsychotic medications (3).

What does research suggest?

There is a considerable amount of research on the topic of the effectiveness of Alli and metformin together. We will discuss some of those studies below.

In one study, 57 obese women with normal glucose tolerance were chosen to first undergo a dietary therapy constituting 1200-1600 kcal/day. They were all given the same food and monitored, leading to a deficit of approximately 600-850 kcal/day.

After a month of this therapy, they were randomly given 120mg of orlistat (Alli) thrice a day or 850 mg of metformin alongside 120mg of Alli twice daily. All the participants were given this regimen for 3 months (1).

Insulin resistance and body weight were noted in the first and fourth months, measured at baseline, and then observed for differences. Both agents were found to be effective for weight loss (1).

However, there was no significant change in serum lipid levels. Body weight, LDLC, HDLC, total cholesterol as well as triglyceride levels were found to be similar in the results of both groups (1).

This proved that while both agents are helpful in the management of obesity, adding metformin did not cause any statistically notable benefit on weight loss and insulin resistance when compared to Alli alone (1).

In another study, 73 obese women in their premenopause period were selected and treated with Alli and metformin. The results of this trial showed that there was a greater weight loss associated with the use of Alli (5).

In this study, Alli also improved body composition meanwhile metformin helped reduce fat. Overall, both drugs showed effect regardless of which one was used in insulin-resistant women (5).

There has also been a similar study conducted on patients with diabetes and those without it. 119 participants were selected; out of which 38.7% of the patients were diabetic and 29.4% were prediabetic (6).

The mean difference in weight change was higher in non-diabetic patients taking Alli and metformin than that in diabetic patients. However, Alli showed its effects in both groups (6).

Is it beneficial to take Alli and metformin together?

Several studies have been conducted to test the efficacy of using Alli and metformin together. The results of these researches have shown that there is no particular special effect on taking both of these drugs in combination.

They do not have any additional effect on weight loss and neither do they show much difference in insulin resistance when compared to taking only Alli (1).

However, few studies also indicate that while patients are on metformin, introducing Alli in their regimen shows better results than using only metformin. It was noted that patients showed better glycemic control and serum lipid levels (4).

How to take Alli and metformin together safely?

In case you are prescribed these medicines by a professional for specified medical reasons, you should take them together in the given appropriate dosage. For this, you must understand the safe use of both these medications.

Alli is to be taken orally during meals or up to 1 hour after the ingestion of food. It is safe to be used in renal impairment, however, it should be cautiously used in pregnancy, breastfeeding, or with other drugs (1).

Metformin should be taken with meals to avoid the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. If you are taking an immediate-release formulation of metformin, you can cut the tablets. Extended-release tablets are swallowed whole with a glass of water.

What are some risks of taking Alli and metformin together?

Alli and metformin have their respective set of side effects and the incidence of side effects is increased when the medications are taken together. The side effects of Alli and metformin are as follows:

In my experience:

As per my understanding, Alli and metformin can be taken together. However, according to research, there is no significant benefit of taking these medications together. In most cases, taking Alli shows much better effects for weight loss.

A combination of metformin and Alli does not speed up the weight loss process but may improve glycemic control. You can take these medications together if they are prescribed by your healthcare provider.

References