Orlistat
Introduction To Orlistat
Orlistat is a medicine used in the treatment of obesity. It helps the body in blocking the absorption of fats from the small intestines and stomach.
Orlistat should be taken along with food in the dose and duration as per prescription. It must be swallowed as a whole. It works best when it is used along with regular physical activity and a healthy diet. It should not be taken for a long term unless your doctor tells you to do so. For better efficacy of the medicine, fat-rich foods should be avoided along with the medicine.
Some of the common side effects of Orlistat include the presence of fat in the stool, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. If any of the side effects bother you, tell your doctor without delay.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women must take this medicine only with a valid prescription. Inform your doctor before taking the medicine if you have any other medical conditions or are taking any other medications. This medicine should not be considered as a long-term treatment unless you are prescribed by your doctor.
Uses of Orlistat
- Obesity
Benefits of Orlistat
Obesity
Orlistat decreases cravings for food now and then. This helps reduce food
intake and enables you to cut down on those extra calories that are
responsible for gaining weight due to overeating. Therefore, this medicine
helps to treat obesity and prevents the complications of being overweight like
diabetes, high blood pressure, and other serious problems. It also improves
your confidence by helping you lose weight and enhances your quality of life.
Side effects of Orlistat
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Orlitac
- Fat in stool
- Bowel incontinence
- Flatus with discharge
- Oily spotting
- Increased urge to pass bowels
- Oily evacuation
- Increased bowel movements
How to use Orlistat
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor.
Orlistat may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a
fixed time.
Avoid Orlistat with high-fat meals such as olive oil, nuts & seeds (Brazil
nuts), dark chocolate, butter and meat.
How Orlistat works
Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor. It works in the stomach and small intestine by blocking the absorption of fat from food by blocking enzymes responsible for the breakdown of fat.
Quick tips
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Orlistat is used to aid weight loss in obese individuals.
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It should be used along with regular physical activity and a healthy diet.
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Take it during or up to 1 hour after each meal.
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Skip your dose if you miss a meal or if your meal contains no fat.
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A multivitamin supplement containing vitamins A, D, and K is recommended when taking Orlistat.
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It should not be taken for longer than six months. If you have been unable to lose weight after 12 weeks of taking this medicine, you should stop taking it and consult your doctor.
Safety Advice
PregnancyUNSAFE
Can I take Orlistat if I’m pregnant?
Orlistat is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor's advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Orlistat if I’m breastfeeding?
Orlistat is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.
AlcoholSAFE
Is drinking alcohol while taking Orlistat safe?
Consuming alcohol with Orlistat does not cause any harmful side effects.
DrivingSAFE
Can I drive after taking Orlistat?
Orlistat does not usually affect your ability to drive.
KidneySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Orlistat if I have/had kidney diseases?
Orlistat is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Orlistat may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor. Use of this medicine may be associated with the formation of kidney stones in patients with underlying kidney disease.
LiverSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Orlistat if I have/had liver diseases?
Orlistat is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Orlistat may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long can you stay on Orlistat?
It is not advised to take Orlistat for more than 6 months. Consult your doctor and stop the medication if you do not experience any weight reduction 12 weeks after starting your treatment with Orlistat.
Q. Who should not take Orlistat?
You should not take Orlistat if you are allergic to it, have difficulty absorbing food (chronic malabsorption syndrome), and have cholestasis (a condition where the flow of bile from the liver is blocked). Refrain from using Orlistat if you are taking cyclosporine medicine or blood thinners like warfarin. Along with that, avoid Orlistat if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Q. What kind of diet should I follow while on Orlistat?
You should stick to low-calorie low-fat diet while taking Orlistat. Having a high-fat meal with Orlistat might increase the chances of developing unpleasant side effects. Try to eat more vegetables and fruits, have small portions, eat regularly, and do not skip any meals.
Q. Can you drink alcohol on Orlistat?
Though alcohol does not interfere with the working of Orlistat, it is recommended that you cut on or avoid alcohol. Alcohol contains calories which will add to your weight. Hence, for effective weight reduction it is best to avoid alcohol.
Q. How quickly does Orlistat work?
Orlistat starts working quickly, within 24-48 hours of taking it. You may even notice fat in your stools. However, it may take about a week or two to show effective weight reduction, which will vary from person to person.
Q. Is it important to follow an exercise program while taking Orlistat?
Yes, exercise may prove to be very helpful for the effective weight reduction and maintenance of reduced weight. An exercise program and low-calorie intake will help maintain your weight even after discontinuation of the medicine.
Q. How does Orlistat help with weight loss?
Orlistat belongs to a class of medicines known as lipase inhibitors. It targets the fat that you eat. It prevents about 25% of fat in your meals from being absorbed. This unabsorbed fat will get passed in stools and get removed from the body.
Q. How should I take Orlistat?
Take Orlistat three times a day and swallow the capsule whole with water. Take it just before, during, or up to one hour after meals. The meal should be well balanced and should include low calorie ingredients. Do not take Orlistat if you miss a meal or your meal does not contain fat, as it will not work in the absence of fat.
Q. How much weight can you lose in a week with Orlistat?
You should set a realistic goal of weight reduction. Aim to reduce 5-10% of your starting weight. This weight loss process should be gradual and at a steady pace. You should try to reduce 0.5 kg of weight per week.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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