Obesity Management: Used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet for weight loss. Weight Maintenance: To prevent the regain of weight already lost. Risk Reduction: Helps reduce the risk of obesity-related conditions like Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
Orlistat targets the enzymes in your stomach and small intestine called gastric and pancreatic lipases. Normally, these enzymes break down fats into smaller components to be absorbed. Orlistat attaches to these enzymes and blocks them. As a result, about 25-30% of the fat you eat passes through your system undigested and is eliminated through bowel movements.
Gastrointestinal (Most Common): Oily spotting on undergarments, flatulence (gas) with discharge, urgent bowel movements, and fatty/oily stools. Nutritional: Potential deficiency in fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) due to malabsorption. Occasional: Headache, anxiety, or abdominal pain.
If you skip a meal or eat a meal that contains no fat, you should skip that dose of Orlistat. The medicine only works in the presence of dietary fat.
Weight loss typically begins within 2 weeks of starting treatment and continues for 6 to 12 months, provided you follow a calorie-restricted diet.
This is the 'treatment effect.' It is the undigested fat leaving your body. These side effects are more severe if you eat a meal very high in fat.
Yes. Orlistat can interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). Take a multivitamin once a day, at least 2 hours before or after taking Orlistat (e.g., at bedtime).
No. Orlistat is not a stimulant and does not affect the central nervous system or suppress your appetite. It only works on fat absorption.
Eating a high-fat meal increases the likelihood of unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects like oily spotting, gas, and urgent bowel movements.
You should consult your doctor. Orlistat may increase the levels of oxalate in the urine, which can lead to calcium oxalate kidney stones in some patients.
Orlistat is approved for long-term use (up to 1?2 years), but your doctor should regularly monitor your progress and nutritional status.
Yes. Because Orlistat can decrease Vitamin K absorption, it can affect how Warfarin works. Close monitoring of blood clotting (INR) is required.
There is no direct interaction with alcohol, but alcoholic drinks are often high in calories and can hinder your weight loss goals.
