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What is Orlistat ?

Orlistat is a medication used to treat obesity. Its primary function is to prevent the absorption of fats from the human diet, thereby reducing caloric intake. Orlistat works by inhibiting pancreatic lipase, an enzyme which breaks down triglycerides in the intestine. Without this enzyme, the dietary triglycerides are prevented from being hydrolyzed into absorbable free fatty acids and are excreted undigested.

Orlistat Uses

Orlistat (prescription and non-prescription) has been used with an individualized low-calorie, low-fat diet and exercise program that helps people lose weight. Orlistat is often used in overweight people who may also have high blood pressure,diabetes, high cholesterol, or heart disease. Orlistat is also used after weight loss to help people keep their weight from gaining back. Orlistat is in a class of drugs called lipase inhibitors. It works by preventing the absorption of some of the fat in foods eaten in the intestines. This unabsorbed fat is then removed from the stool in the body.

Orlistat Side Effects

Some of the common side effects Orlistat are:

  • Oily spotting on underwear or on clothing
  • Gas with oily spotting
  • Urgent need to have a bowel movement
  • Loose stools
  • Oily or fatty stools
  • Increased number of bowel movement
  • Difficulty controlling bowel movements pain or discomfort in the rectum (bottom)
  • Stomach pain
  • Irregular menstrual periods
  • Headache
  • Anxiety

Some of the serious side effects of Orlistat are:

  • Hives
  • Rash
  • Itching
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Severe or continuous stomach pain
  • Excessive tiredness or weakness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite

If you have any of these serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Orlistat if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.

A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Orlistat side effects.

Precautions

Before using Orlistat talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredient that can cause allergic reactions or some other serious problems.

Before using Orlistat talk with your doctor if you are having any medical history such as:

  • Digestive problems
  • Gall bladder problem
  • Underactive thyroid
  • Kidney stones
  • HIV infections
  • Seizures

How to take Orlistat?

Orlistat comes as a capsule and a non-prescription capsule to be taken orally. This is generally taken three times a day with each main meal containing fat. Take orlistat for a meal or up to 1 hour after a meal. If you miss a meal or do not have fat, you may skip your dose. Follow the label instructions or package label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you don't understand. Take orlistat as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor or indicated on the package.

  • The suggested prescription dose for Xenical is one capsule (120 mg) three times a day.
  • The usual dose is 60 mg three times a day.
  • Orlistat should be taken one hour after or during a meal containing approximately 15 mg of fat. Meals without fat do not require the use of orlistat.

Missed Dose

Missing one or two-dose of Orlistat won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.

Overdose

Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Orlistattablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.

Interactions

If your doctor has directed you to use this medicine, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before first checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist. This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse reactions. Therefore, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the products you use before using this product. Keep a list of all your drugs with you, and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist.

Storage

Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.

Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).

Before taking Orlistat consult your Doctor. In case if you face any problems or get any side effects after taking Orlistat rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take Orlistat.

Orlistat vs Phentermine

Orlistat

Phentermine
Orlistat is a medication used to treat obesity. Its primary function is to prevent the absorption of fats from the human diet, thereby reducing caloric intake. Phentermine is an amphetamine-like prescription drug used to suppress appetite. It can help you lose weight by reducing your hunger or making you feel full longer
Orlistat (prescription and non-prescription) has been used with an individualized low-calorie, low-fat diet and exercise program that helps people lose weight. Orlistat is often used in overweight people who may also have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or heart disease Phentermine is used with a doctor-approved exercise, behavioural change, and reduced-calorie diet program to help you lose weight. It is used by certain people who are overweight, such as those who are obese or have weight-related medical problems.
Some of the serious side effects of Orlistat are:
  • Hives
  • Itching
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Tingling in hands or feet
  • Dry mouth
  • Constipation
 Some of the serious side effects of Phentermine are:
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Tingling in hands or feet
  • Dry mouth
  • Constipation

Citations

Orlistat. - Abstract - Europe PMC
Role of Orlistat in the Treatment of Obese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A 1-year randomized double-blind study | Diabetes Care | American Diabetes Association

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Orlistat help with weight loss?

Orlistat (the active ingredient in Alli) promotes weight loss by reducing the amount of dietary fat absorbed in your intestines. Lipase, an enzyme found in the digestive tract, helps break down dietary fat into smaller components so that it can be used or stored for energy. Orlistat inhibits lipase work.

Does Orlistat have side effects?

Some of the common side effects Orlistat are:

  • Oily spotting on underwear or on clothing
  • Urgent need to have a bowel movement
  • loose stools
  • Oily or fatty stools
  • Increased number of bowel movements

Is Orlistat better than Phentermine?

Drugs used for obesity, orlistat has been approved for long-term use, and phentermine, the most commonly used drug, has been approved for short-term use. However, phentermine may increase blood pressure and pulse rate.

Does Orlistat work if you don't eat fat?

The dietary fat that is not absorbed will pass through the body and pass through the faeces. Eating foods high in fat while taking Orlistat can lead to unpleasant side effects. After a healthy, low-fat diet, make sure you don't have these side effects.

How much weight can you lose in a week with Orlistat?

Orlistat works by blocking the absorption of fat into the body after it is eaten during a meal. Approximately 5 to 10 pounds may be lost in the first 6 months of orlistat use.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.