UK pharmacists alerted on orlistat dispensing

Following the recent launch in the UK of an over-the-counter versions of Roche's obesity drug orlistat by UK drug giant GlaxoSmithKline, the  Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain is reiterating to  pharmacists the need to adhere to its practice guidance regarding the  sale of the product, a drug which can only be sold to patients who have  undergone a consultation, and who have a Body Mass Index of 28 or  higher. The emphasis on the Society's practice guidance follows two  British Sunday newspapers reporting cases of pharmacies not complying  with regulations around the sale of the drug, trade named alli.

The RPSGB's director of policy, David Pruce said: "both the Society and  GSK, which manufactures orlistat, developed and disseminated guidance  and training resources for pharmacists in anticipation of the medicine's  launch. It is disappointing that some pharmacies have not followed the  guidance. It is important to emphasize the need to closely follow the  requirements for selling orlistat."