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Orlistat

  • Orlistat must be taken along with a low-calorie diet
  • If a meal is missed or contains no fat, there is no need to take the dose of orlistat
  • Your diet should be rich in fruit and vegetables
  • Your daily intake of fat, carbohydrate and protein should be distributed over three main meals

About orlistat

Type of medicine Anti-obesity drug
Used for Treatment of obesity along with a reduced-calorie diet
Also called Xenical
Available as Capsules

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 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 are taking a drug called ciclosporin

How to take orlistat

  • The recommended dose of orlistat is one 120 mg 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-calorie diet that contains approximately 30 % of calories from fat
  • Your diet should be rich in fruit and vegetables
  • Your daily intake of fat, carbohydrate and protein should be distributed over three main meals
  • 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
  • Your doctor will check your weight regularly, and depending on how much weight you lose, you may be able to continue treatment for up to one year

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.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer
If headache continues speak with your doctor
Oily spotting from the back passage, wind with discharge, diarrhoea Reduce the fat content in your meal
Ensure a toilet is within reasonable distance
Carry a change of underwear
Tooth and gum problems See your dentist if you are concerned
Worry, tiredness Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if symptoms persist

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


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist
© EMIS 2006 DocID:
1437		 DocRef:
dils2396		 Last Updated:
30 Oct 2006		 Date of Next Review:
29 Oct 2008		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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