Orlistat: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What drug Orlistat?

What is Orlistat for?

Orlistat is a drug whose function is to help people who are overweight (obese) lose weight significantly. This medication is used in conjunction with a doctor-approved low-calorie diet, exercise, and a doctor's behavior modification program. Using orlistat can also help prevent you from becoming overweight. Losing weight and keeping it off can reduce many of the health risks caused by obesity, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, respiratory problems, and short life span.

Dietary fat must be broken down into small pieces before the body can absorb it. Orlistat works by blocking the enzymes that break down fat. This undigested fat will then be excreted from your body through the intestines. Orlistat does not block the absorption of calories from sugar and other non-fat foods, so you still need to limit your calorie intake.

Orlistat dosage and orlistat side effects are detailed below.

How do I use Orlistat?

If you are using a product without a doctor's prescription for personal treatment, read all directions on the product packaging before using the medicine.

If you were prescribed this medication by your doctor, read the Patient Information section if available before you use orlistat as well every time you buy again. Take this medication as directed by your doctor at every meal that contains fat or within 1 hour of eating, usually 3 times a day. If you are not eating or eating foods that contain no fat, you should not take this medicine. To reduce the chance of unwanted side effects, it is very important to remember that no more than 30% of the calories you eat come from fat. Your daily intake of fat, protein and carbohydrates should be evenly distributed and spread over the 3 main meals.

Do not increase your dose or use this medication more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, but the risk of side effects will increase.

Because this medicine can interfere with the absorption of vitamins (fat-soluble vitamins including A, D, E, K), you need to meet your daily intake of multivitamin supplements that contain nutrients. Take a multivitamin at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking orlistat (such as just before bedtime).

If you are taking cyclosporine, take it at least 3 hours before or after taking orlistat to ensure that the cyclosporine is fully absorbed into your blood. If you are taking levothyroxine, take it at least 4 hours before or after taking orlistat.

You should monitor your weight loss within 2 weeks after you start using orlistat. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse.

How is Orlistat stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Orlistat dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of Orlistat for adults?

120 mg taken by mouth three times a day with fat-containing meals. Dosage can be taken during a meal or within 1 hour after finishing a meal.

What is the dose of Orlistat for children?

12 years and over:

120 mg taken by mouth three times a day with fat-containing meals. Dosage can be taken during a meal or within 1 hour after finishing a meal.

In what dosage is Orlistat available?

60 mg capsules; 120 mg

Orlistat side effects

What side effects can I experience due to Orlistat?

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using orlistat and call your doctor right away if you experience serious side effects such as:

• • Severe pain in the lower back, urination accompanied by blood
  • Urinating less than usual or not at all
  • Drowsiness, confusion, mood changes, increased thirst
  • Weight gain, feel short of breath
  • Pain in the upper abdomen and spreads to the back, nausea and vomiting, rapid heart rate
  • Nausea, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

The following side effects generally occur with orlistat use. This is a natural effect of orlistat's inhibition of fat digestion and is actually a sign that the drug is working properly. These side effects are usually temporary and will lessen as you continue to take orlistat. Side effects include:

• • Greasy patches on your underwear
  • Stool feels oily or greasy
  • Orange or brown oil colored stools
  • A slightly oily fart
  • Diarrhea, more frequent trips to the bathroom, inability to control bowel movements
  • Increased frequency of bowel movements
  • Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anal pain
  • Fatigue, dark urine, clay-colored stools, itching, loss of appetite, or experiencing jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Less serious side effects include:

• • Problems with teeth or gums
  • Cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, cough
  • Fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms
  • Headache, backache
  • Mild skin rash

Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns regarding side effects, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Orlistat Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should I know before using Orlistat?

Before using certain drugs, consider the risks and benefits first. This is a decision you and your doctor will have to make. For this drug, pay attention to the following:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have any unusual or allergic reactions to this or any other medicine. Also tell your doctor if you have any other types of allergies such as to food, coloring, preservatives, or animal allergies. For over-the-counter products, read the labels on the packaging carefully.

Children

Current studies have not demonstrated a specific pediatric problem for limiting orlistat use in adolescents. The safety and efficacy of using this drug have not been established in children under 12 years of age.

Elderly

Studies conducted to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that may prove limiting orlistat use in the elderly.

Is Orlistat safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

A = No risk,

B = not at risk in several studies,

C = May be risky,

D = There is positive evidence of risk,

X = Contraindicated,

N = Unknown

Orlistat Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Orlistat?

Although some drugs should not be taken at the same time, in other cases some drugs can also be used together even though interactions may occur. In such cases, the doctor may change the dose, or take other preventive measures as needed. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other over-the-counter or prescription drugs.

Taking this drug with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may not prescribe this medicine to you or will replace some of the drugs you are already taking.

• • Carbamazepine
  • Clobazam
  • Clonazepam
  • Clorazepate
  • Cyclosporine
  • Diazepam
  • Eslicarbazepine Acetate
  • Ethosuximide
  • Ethotoin
  • Ezogabine
  • Felbamate
  • Fosphenytoin
  • Gabapentin
  • Lacosamide
  • Lamotrigine
  • Levetiracetam
  • Lorazepam
  • Methsuximide
  • Midazolam
  • Oxcarbazepine
  • Perampanel
  • Phenobarbital
  • Phenytoin
  • Piracetam
  • Pregabalin
  • Primidone
  • Rufinamide
  • Stiripentol
  • Tiagabine
  • Topiramate
  • Valproic acid
  • Vigabatrin
  • Zonisamide

Taking this medication with the drugs below may increase your risk of side effects, but in some cases, a combination of these two drugs may be the best treatment. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• • Linoleic acid
  • Warfarin

Can food or alcohol interact with Orlistat?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with Orlistat?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• • Diabetes
  • An underactive thyroid. Use with care. May increase the risk of more serious side effects
  • Eating disorders (for example, anorexia nervosa or bulimia)
  • Hyperoxaluria (high oxalic acid in urine)
  • Kidney failure
  • Kidney stones
  • Liver disease. Use with care. Likely to make conditions worse.
  • Gallbladder problems
  • Malabsorption syndrome (problems with nutrient absorption or digestion of food). Should not be used in patients who have this condition.

Orlistat overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.