Orlistat

(Xenical, Tetrahydrolipstatin, Obelit, Alli)

Orlistat Review

Orlistat is used together with a reduced-calorie diet and weight maintenance to treat obesity in people with certain risk factors (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol or triglycerides).

The FDA approved Orlistat (marketed under the trade name Xenical by Roche) as a prescription weight loss aid in 1999. And in February, 2007 Orlistat capsules were approved by FDA, branded as Alli by GlaxoSmithKline, as an over-the-counter treatment for overweight adults.

Orlistat is the first drug in a new class of non-systemically acting anti-obesity drugs known as lipase inhibitors.

Orlistat has been studied, and it has been found that the average weight loss that was achieved when Orlistat was taken as recommended for six months to one year was 12.4 to 13.4 pounds.

Orlistat also may be used to prevent weight gain after weight has been lost.

Orlistat – How does it work?

Unlike appetite suppressants, Orlistat works by acting upon the function of the gastrointestinal tract. The drug binds to an enzyme known as gastrointestinal lipase and inhibits the action of this enzyme, which plays a role in breaking down fats for absorption in the GI tract. As a result, up to 30% of ingested fat is not absorbed by the body.

Orlistat - How to Take

• Use Orlistat as directed by your doctor.
• Take Orlistat by mouth with each meal containing fat. Do not take more than 3 capsules daily.
• Do not take more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor. Taking more than the recommended dose may not help you lose more weight. It may increase your risk of side effects.
• If a meal is missed or contains no fat, do not take a dose of Orlistat.
• If you miss a dose of Orlistat, take it as soon as you remember. Continue to take it as directed by your doctor.
• Orlistat may decrease your absorption of vitamins. Take a multivitamin once a day at bedtime.
• Proper diet and exercise are important in order to lose weight and keep it off. Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your health care provider.

Orlistat - Side Effects

The most common side effect of Orlistat is changes in bowel movement (BM) habits. This generally occurs during the first weeks of treatment; however, it may continue throughout your use of Orlistat. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• oily, spotting BMs
• gas with discharge
• urgent need to have a BM
• oily or fatty stools
• an oily discharge
• increased number of BMs
• inability to control BMs
• orange or brown color of a BM
• stomach pain
• irregular menstrual periods

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue);
• severe or persistent stomach pain.

Orlistat Precautions

Before taking Orlistat:

• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Orlistat before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Diabetes patients - Orlistat may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Do not use Orlistat if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Orlistat;
• you are not overweight;
• you have problems absorbing food or bile flow problems (e.g., cholestasis);
• you have received an organ transplant;
• you take cyclosporine.
• if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor.
• If you are younger than 12 years old.

Orlistat Storage

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.

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