Orlistat

About orlistat

Orlistat is not absorbed into the bloodstream, but works locally in the stomach and small intestine, where it prevents the action of two enzymes found in the digestive juices. These enzymes, called gastric and pancreatic lipases, normally break down fats that we consume in our diet.

Before taking orlistat

Before taking orlistat make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have kidney problems.
• If you suffer from chronic malabsorption syndrome (long term inability of the gut to absorb sufficient nutrients).
• If you suffer from cholestasis (failure of the normal flow of bile from the liver to the intestines).
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

• Important - orlistat is not suitable for under 18 year olds.

How to take orlistat

• The recommended dose of orlistat is one capsule taken with water immediately before, during or up to one hour after each main meal.
• If a meal is missed or contains no fat, there is no need to take the dose of orlistat.

Getting the most from your treatment

• You should eat a nutritionally balanced, low fat and reduced calorie diet, rich in fruit and vegetables.
• Your daily intake of fat, carbohydrate and protein should be distributed over three main meals.
• Remember to increase your level of physical activity while you are taking orlistat and continue this even after you have finished the treatment.
• Since orlistat may interfere with the absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K, you may wish to take a multivitamin supplement; this should be taken at least two hours after orlistat or at bedtime.
• Check your weight regularly. If you have not lost any weight after 12 weeks, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Usually orlistat may be taken for up to 6 months. This may be longer if your treatment was prescribed by a doctor.
• Orlistat is only suitable if your body mass index (BMI) is 28kg/m² or greater. Body mass index is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in metres.
• Reducing the amount of fat you eat in your diet will reduce the likelihood of you experiencing side-effects such as wind, loose stools, bowel urgency and oily spotting.
• If you are taking the oral contraceptive pill, you may need to use additional precautions (e.g. a condom) if you suffer from severe diarrhoea whilst taking orlistat. This is because diarrhoea may prevent oral contraceptives from working fully.
• If you are diabetic, speak to a doctor before taking orlistat as it may affect the control of your diabetes requiring a change in your treatment.

Can orlistat cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

How to store orlistat

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light

Important information about all medicines