Counterfeit diet pill may pose health risk

January 25, 2010 The fake versions were sold on the internet including through online auction sites, not in stores.

Lab tests showed counterfeit Alli pills contained high levels of sibutramine, an active ingredient in the prescription diet drug Meridia.

FDA officials say the amount of sibutramine in the counterfeit poses a serious health risk. The agency is urging all consumers taking Alli to check to make sure they bought legitimate versions.