Orlistat

Orlistat has been clinically proven to support weight loss when used alongside diet and exercise.

It can help you achieve 50% more weight loss than dieting alone. For every 2lb you lose through healthy lifestyle changes, Orlistat may help you lose an additional 1lb.

Orlistat is the generic form of Xenical. It reduces the amount of dietary fat absorbed by your body and is not an appetite suppressant.

Dietary fat is normally broken down by enzymes called lipases so that it can be absorbed. Orlistat blocks some of these enzymes, preventing approximately one-third of the fat in a meal from being absorbed. The unabsorbed fat then passes through your digestive system.

Orlistat is generally intended for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 28 or above with an associated risk factor such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

1. Take one 120mg capsule up to three times daily.
2. Take it immediately before, during or up to one hour after a main meal.
3. Swallow each capsule whole with water.
4. Do not take more than three capsules in 24 hours.
5. Skip the capsule if you miss the meal or the meal contains no fat.
6. Follow a balanced, reduced-calorie diet containing approximately 30% of its calories from fat.
7. Distribute your daily intake of fat, carbohydrates and protein across three main meals.
8. Avoid high-fat meals, as these can increase digestive side effects.
9. Take a multivitamin containing vitamins A, D, E and K at bedtime or at least two hours after Orlistat.
10. Combine treatment with regular physical activity.

Your clinician should review treatment if you have not lost approximately 5% of your starting weight after 12 weeks.

Side effects are commonly related to the digestive system and may include:

1. Stomach pain
2. Trapped wind
3. More frequent or urgent bowel movements
4. Oily or fatty stools
5. Loose stools
6. Oily discharge
7. Headaches
8. Low blood sugar in some people with diabetes

Eating balanced, lower-fat meals can reduce the likelihood and severity of digestive side effects.

Generic Orlistat and Xenical contain the same active ingredient at the same strength.

Generic medicines must meet the same standards for quality, safety and effectiveness as branded medicines. Generic Orlistat usually costs less because it does not carry the original brand name.

Read the complete patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine before starting treatment.

Always use the current patient information leaflet provided with your dispensed Orlistat product.