Drug Name

Orlistat

Drug Uses

Orlistat is used together with a reduced-calorie diet and weight maintenance to treat obesity in people with certain risk factors (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol or triglycerides).

How Taken

Use Orlistat as directed by your doctor.

• Read the chart on the medicine package. You may consider starting Orlistat if your weight is the same or more than the weight shown for your height. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Take Orlistat by mouth with each meal containing fat. Do not take more than 3 capsules daily.
• If a meal is missed or contains no fat, do not take a dose of Orlistat.
• Orlistat may decrease your absorption of vitamins. Take a multivitamin once a day at bedtime.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Orlistat is a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor. It works by blocking the digestion of fats from the diet.

Orlistat is indicated for managing obesity in overweight adults; reducing the risk of weight regain after previous weight loss.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Orlistat, take it as soon as you remember. Continue to take it as directed by your doctor.

Storage

Store Orlistat at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep Orlistat out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Orlistat if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Orlistat;
• you are not overweight;
• you have problems absorbing food or bile flow problems (e.g., cholestasis);
• you have received an organ transplant;
• you take cyclosporine.

• Do not take more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor. Taking more than the recommended dose may not help you lose more weight. It may increase your risk of side effects.
• Proper diet and exercise are important in order to lose weight and keep it off. Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your health care provider.
• Orlistat may cause changes in your bowel or stool (e.g., gas with oily spotting, loose stools, more frequent stools). Eating a low-fat diet may help lessen these side effects.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Orlistat before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Diabetes patients - Orlistat may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Orlistat should not be used in children younger than 18 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Do not take Orlistat if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. It is not known if Orlistat is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Orlistat.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• diarrhea; gas with discharge; frequent or loose stools; oily spotting; trouble controlling bowel movements.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); severe or persistent stomach pain.

More Information

Orlistat is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.