Health Highlights: June 15, 2007

Mar. 23 -- Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments,compiled by editors of HealthDay:

First OTC Weight Loss Drug Goes on Sale in U.S.

The first FDA-approved over-the-counter weight loss pill goes on sale across the United States Friday. The drug, called alli, prevents the absorption of fat in the intestine. It's a lower-dose version of the prescription weight-loss drug Xenical.

While some welcome the arrival of the OTC pill -- which will cost about $1.80 a day -- others have reservations or are openly critical, Newsday reported.

Weight loss specialist Dr. Dennis Gage, of Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, isn't impressed with alli.

"The reality of weight loss pills is that people rarely lose weight when they take them. And when they do lose weight, it comes back," he told Newsday. Gage noted that Xenical produces only moderate weight loss.

Dr. Irwin Klein, chief of endocrinology and metabolism at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y., noted that alli causes the same side effects as Xenical, including frequent bowel movements.

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Counterfeit Toothpaste Poses Low Health Risk: Colgate

Counterfeit toothpaste imported from South Africa poses a low health risk to consumers, Colgate-Palmolive Co. said Friday.

Colgate said it analyzed samples of the counterfeit toothpaste and said its findings match the results of tests by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Associated Press reported.

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The counterfeit toothpaste, labeled as Regular, Gel, Triple and Herbal versions of Colgate toothpaste, were recalled in the United States because they may contain a poisonous chemical called diethylene glycol, which is used in antifreeze.

The toothpaste was sold in discount stores in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. It was imported by MS USA Trading Inc. of North Bergen, N.J.

Colgate is currently collecting suspected counterfeit toothpaste at discount stores and is also scrutinizing all accounts that handle Colgate toothpaste to ensure that they do not have any counterfeit versions, the AP reported.

The FDA has posted an update list of recalled toothpaste products and toothpaste products that tested positive for diethylene glycol at http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/toothpaste.html.

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