• The New York Times, Wednesday, October 24, 2007 11:30 AM

Consumers have shelled out $60 for more than 2 million starter packages of Glaxo's Alli -- the first government-approved weight-loss drug available without a prescription--since it became available four months ago. Each package contains 90 pills.

Steven L. Burton, vice president, weight-control products, for the consumer health care division of Glaxo, says consumer satisfaction for Alli is strong, and about 70% of users report losing weight.

Glaxo introduced Alli in June with an unusual marketing campaign that warns consumers that they must be committed to a restricted diet before they take it. The weight loss drug works by blocking the absorption of fat in the intestine. Alli has an annoying--but not serious--side effect: it can cause flatulence and diarrhea. That can happen when people eat meals containing too much fat, which simply goes undigested because of Alli's fat-blocking properties.

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