About:
Orlistat is a capsule you take with food to help with weight loss.
It is ordinarily taken three times a day with main meals. Taking Orlistat alongside healthy lifestyle changes in diet and exercise have been shown to be highly effective in achieving weight loss.
Weight loss is variable depending on the patient but many patients can expect to lose 5% or more of their weight in three months of taking Orlistat. More details about the trial can be found at: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3125014/
How does Orlistat work?
Orlistat prevents your body from absorbing most of the fat in the food you eat at the same time as taking it. As such your body takes in fewer calories when you eat a meal.
As many Vitamins are fat soluble (such as A, D, E and K) they may be poorly absorbed. As such especially if you are taking Orlistat for more than a month or so it is advised you consider buying a multivitamin supplement and taking this at a different time to the Orlistat to prevent vitamin deficiency.
Directions:
Orlistat should be taken up to three times a day with water.
It should only be taken with main meals (or up to an hour after meals). If you miss a meal you should also miss taking the medication.
It is essential to take this medication alongside a low-fat diet - taking this medication with high-fat meals increases the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, especially diarrhoea.
Ingredients:
Orlistat is the primary ingredient of Orlistat.
Side Effects:
Very Common(may affect more than one in 10 people):
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Oily/fatty stools
- Flatulence
- Liquid stools
- Low blood sugars (in type 2 diabetics)
Common (may affect up to one in 10 people):
- Faecal incontinence
- Soft Stools
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
It is important to follow the dosage regime as this minimises the side effects you will experience. It is also especially important to minimise the amount of fat in your diet.
Warnings and Cautions:
You shouldn't take this medication if:
You suffer from chronic malabsorption syndrome.
You suffer from cholestasis (problems with your bile duct or gall bladder).
There is a risk of hypoglycaemia in patients with Diabetes taking insulin or a group of drugs called sulphonylureas.
You are pregnant or breastfeeding or planning on becoming pregnant.
You suffer from an eating disorder.
You are currently taking Amiodarone, Ciclosporin, Anti-epileptic medication or HIV medication.
If you are taking Warfarin please discuss this medication with your INR monitor extensively before starting.
Patients taking oral contraceptives should be aware that they may not be protected as well from pregnancy especially if they suffer with severe diarrhoea whilst taking the medication.
Patient Information Leaflet:
Please read the patient information leaflet HERE.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Orlistat suitable for me?
Orlistat is licensed for weight loss for adults whose BMI (Body Mass Index) Is over 30 or if you have a BMI of 28 and you have a weight-related health condition such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, pre-diabetes or heart problems.
Your BMI is a measure that a BMI of 28 and you have a weight-related health condition such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, pre-diabetes or heart problems. Your BMI is a measure that considers both your height and weight that we can calculate on your behalf.
How long will Orlistat take to work?
We will always review whether Orlistat is right for you if you have not lost at least 5% of your initial weight after 3 months of Orlistat.
Must I take Orlistat with food?
Orlistat must be taken at all times with food - ideally a substantial meal (or one hour after). This is because it is only effective if it is in the gut at the same time as you are digesting food.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Orlistat?
If you miss a dose of Orlistat do not take if it is more than an hour after you've eaten. Take the next dose with your next meal.
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