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Orlistat 120mg Capsules

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Description

Orlistat (brand name Xenical) is a medication designed to assist with weight loss by preventing the absorption of dietary fat. It works by inhibiting lipase, an enzyme in the digestive tract responsible for breaking down fat. Approximately 30% of the fat you consume passes through the digestive system undigested and is eliminated via stools. This helps reduce overall calorie intake. Orlistat is used in adults with:

  • BMI ≥30 kg/m² (obesity), or
  • BMI ≥28 kg/m² with associated health risks, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.

It should always be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet and physical activity to achieve optimal results.

Directions for Use

Dosage:

  • Take one 120 mg capsule three times daily with each main meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
  • Capsules can be taken immediately before, during, or up to one hour after meals.
  • If you skip a meal or the meal contains no fat, you can skip that dose.

Dietary Recommendations:

  • Follow a low-calorie diet with about 30% of total calories from fat.
  • Distribute fat intake evenly across all meals. Consuming large amounts of fat in one meal can lead to gastrointestinal side effects.
  • Avoid high-fat snacks such as chips, chocolates, and fried foods to minimise discomfort.

Missed Dose:

  • If you forget a dose, take it within one hour of your last meal. If it’s beyond one hour, skip the dose and continue with the next meal. Do not take extra capsules to make up for missed doses.

Duration of Use:

  • If no significant weight loss (≥5% of initial body weight) occurs within 12 weeks, treatment may be discontinued.
  • Orlistat has been studied in long-term use for up to 4 years, provided it continues to be effective and well-tolerated.

How Orlistat Works

When you eat, the fats in your food are normally broken down by enzymes (lipases) in your digestive tract into smaller molecules, which are then absorbed into the body. Orlistat binds to these enzymes and blocks their action, preventing the breakdown and absorption of fats. These unabsorbed fats are excreted in your stools, leading to weight loss over time. Orlistat only works in the presence of dietary fat, so it is ineffective if taken with fat-free meals.

Side Effects

Very Common (affects more than 1 in 10 people):

  • Gastrointestinal effects:
    1. Oily or fatty stools.
    2. Urgent or frequent bowel movements.
    3. Increased bowel gas (flatulence) sometimes with oily discharge.
    4. Abdominal pain or discomfort.
    5. Loose or liquid stools.
  • Metabolic effects:
    1. Low blood sugar levels (especially in patients with type 2 diabetes).

Common (affects 1 in 10 to 100 people):

  • Rectal pain or discomfort.
  • Bloating (particularly in patients with type 2 diabetes).
  • Tooth or gum issues.
  • Tiredness or fatigue.
  • Menstrual irregularities.

Rare but Serious:

  • Liver issues: Symptoms include yellowing of the skin (jaundice), dark urine, stomach pain, and loss of appetite. Stop taking Orlistat and contact a doctor if these symptoms occur.
  • Pancreatitis: Severe abdominal pain radiating to the back.
  • Kidney issues: Including oxalate nephropathy (a build-up of calcium oxalate, which may cause kidney stones).

Other Possible Side Effects:

  • Allergic reactions, such as itching, rash, or difficulty breathing.
  • Gallstones (due to rapid weight loss or changes in bile composition).
  • Reduced absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K).

Gastrointestinal Tolerance:

  • Symptoms like oily stools or urgency usually improve as you adjust to the medication and maintain a low-fat diet.
Warnings

Do Not Use If:

  • You are allergic to Orlistat or any of its ingredients.
  • You have chronic malabsorption syndrome (problems absorbing nutrients).
  • You have cholestasis (a liver disorder causing bile flow issues).
  • You are breastfeeding.

Pregnancy:

  • Use during pregnancy is not recommended, as weight loss is not advised during this time.

Children:

  • Not intended for use in individuals under 18 years of age.
Precautions

Interactions with Medications:

  • Ciclosporin: Co-administration may reduce ciclosporin levels. If unavoidable, monitor ciclosporin levels closely.
  • Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): Orlistat may affect blood clotting. Monitor INR levels.
  • Levothyroxine: Orlistat may cause hypothyroidism or reduced thyroid control. Separate doses by at least 4 hours.
  • Antiepileptics: Reduced absorption may lead to increased seizures. Consult your doctor if seizure control worsens.
  • Fat-soluble vitamins: Orlistat reduces absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K. Take a multivitamin supplement at least 2 hours before or after Orlistat.

Kidney Health:

  • Patients with chronic kidney disease may be at risk of kidney stones. Inform your doctor if you have any kidney problems.
Faqs

How soon will I see results with Orlistat?
Results vary, but you may start noticing weight loss within the first few weeks when combined with a calorie-controlled diet.

Can Orlistat help with cholesterol levels?
Yes, Orlistat can help reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) levels as part of a comprehensive weight-loss programme.

What should I do if I experience oily stools?
Stick to a low-fat diet to minimise gastrointestinal side effects. These symptoms are usually harmless and improve over time.

Is Orlistat effective without dietary changes?
No, Orlistat works only in the presence of dietary fat and is most effective when combined with a low-fat, calorie-controlled diet.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Orlistat?
Alcohol doesn’t interact with Orlistat but adds calories, which may hinder weight-loss efforts.

Will Orlistat affect my contraceptive pills?
Severe diarrhoea can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Use additional contraception methods if diarrhoea occurs.

Do I need to exercise while taking Orlistat?
Yes, combining Orlistat with regular physical activity enhances weight loss and overall health outcomes.

What happens if I stop taking Orlistat?
You may regain weight if you don’t maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. Consult your doctor for guidance.

Can I take Orlistat indefinitely?
Orlistat can be taken long-term if effective and well-tolerated, but regular monitoring by a doctor is essential.

Does Orlistat work for everyone?
Weight loss varies. If you don’t lose at least 5% of your initial weight in 12 weeks, treatment may be discontinued.

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