Orlistat

Generic name: Orlistat
Drug class: Peripherally acting antiobesity agents

Usage of Orlistat

Orlistat blocks some of the fat that you eat, keeping it from being absorbed by your body.

Orlistat is used to aid in weight loss, or to help reduce the risk of regaining weight already lost. This medicine must be used together with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Orlistat is for use only in adults that are overweight or obese.

Xenical is the prescription-strength form of orlistat. The Alli brand is available without a prescription.

Orlistat side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to orlistat: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using orlistat and call your doctor at once if you have:

severe stomach pain;

severe pain in your lower back;

blood in your urine, painful or difficult urination;

signs of kidney problems including little or no urinating; swelling in your feet or ankles; feeling tired or short of breath; or

signs of liver problems including nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common orlistat side effects are caused by its fat-blocking action. These are signs that the medicine is working properly. These side effects are usually temporary and may lessen as you continue using this medicine:

oily or fatty stools;

oily spotting in your undergarments;

orange or brown colored oil in your stool;

gas and oily discharge;

loose stools, or an urgent need to go to the bathroom, inability to control bowel movements;

an increased number of bowel movements; or

stomach pain, nausea, rectal pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Orlistat

You should not use orlistat if you are allergic to it, if you have malabsorption syndrome (an inability to absorb food and nutrients properly), or if you are pregnant.

You also should not use Xenical if you have:

gallbladder problems; or

if you are pregnant.

Do not use Alli if:

you are not overweight;

you have had an organ transplant; or

you are taking cyclosporine

To make sure orlistat is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

kidney stones;

gallbladder disease;

pancreatitis;

thyroid disease;

liver disease;

kidney disease; or

organ transplant; or

an eating disorder (anorexia or bulimia).

Do not use orlistat if you are pregnant. Weight loss is not recommended during pregnancy, even if you are overweight. Stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Taking orlistat can make it harder for your body to absorb certain vitamins. These vitamins are important if you are nursing a baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Xenical is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old. Do not give Alli to anyone under 18 years old.

Relate drugs

How to use Orlistat

Usual Adult Dose for Obesity:

120 mg orally three times a day with each main meal containing fat. The dose may be taken during the meal or within 1 hour of completing the meal.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Obesity:

12 years or older: 120 mg orally three times a day with each main meal containing fat. The dose may be taken during the meal or within 1 hour of completing the meal.

Warnings

Do not take orlistat if you are pregnant.

You should not use this medicine if you have a digestive disorder (problems absorbing food). You should not use Xenical if you have gallbladder problems, or if you are pregnant. Do not use Alli if you have had an organ transplant, if you use cyclosporine, or if you are not overweight.

Orlistat is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Your daily intake of fat, protein, and carbohydrates should be evenly divided over all of your daily meals. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

Avoid a diet that is high in fat. High-fat meals taken in combination with orlistat can increase your risk of unpleasant side effects on your stomach or intestines.

What other drugs will affect Orlistat

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use orlistat if you are also using any of the following drugs:

amiodarone;

cyclosporine;

insulin or oral diabetes medicine;

HIV or AIDS medications;

seizure medicine (especially if your seizures get worse while taking this medicine);

a vitamin or mineral supplement that contains beta-carotene or vitamin E; or

a blood thinner - warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with orlistat, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

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