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Orlistat |
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What is Orlistat and why is it prescribed? Orlistat blocks absorption of dietary fat into the bloodstream, thereby reducing the number of calories you get from a meal. Combined with a low-calorie diet, Orlistat is used to promote weight loss and discourage the return of unwanted pounds. Orlistat is prescribed for the frankly obese and for merely overweight people who have other health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol levels. Along with dietary fat, Orlistat decreases the absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins and beta-carotene. To compensate, you should take a multivitamin containing vitamins A, E, D, and K once a day, at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking Orlistat. How should you take Orlistat? Follow your doctors directions for taking Orlistat. Take a capsule of Orlistat during, or up to 1 hour after, each main meal. You should follow a nutritionally balanced, low-calorie diet that provides no more than 30 percent of its calories from fat. If you miss a meal, or the meal contains no fat, you can skip the accompanying dose of Orlistat. If you miss a dose resume taking Orlistat at the next meal. Don't try to make up the loss with a double dose. Store Orlistat at room temperature, in a tightly sealed container. Are there any Orlistat side effects? Orlistat side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Side effects of Orlistat are more common during the first year of treatment. More common Orlistat side effects may include abdominal discomfort or pain, anxiety, arthritis, back pain, diarrhea, dizziness, earache, fatigue, fatty or oily stools, fecal urgency or incontinence, flu, gas with fecal discharge, gum problems, headache, increased defecation, menstrual problems, muscle pain, nausea, oily discharge, rectal discomfort or pain, respiratory tract infections, skin rash, sleep problems, tooth problems, urinary tract infections, vaginal inflammation, and vomiting. Less common Orlistat side effects may include dry skin, ear/nose/throat problems, and joint disorders. Side effects that usually occur after the first year of treatment with Orlistat include depression, leg pain, swollen feet, and tendonitis. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Orlistat? If Orlistat is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Orlistat with Cyclosporine (Neoral and Sandimmune) or Warfarin (Coumadin). Are there any special warnings about Orlistat? Weight loss begins within 2 weeks and continues for 6 to 12 months. The effect of using Orlistat for more than 2 years is still unknown. Side effects such as diarrhea and abdominal pain may be worse if you continue eating a high fat diet or even take a high-fat meal. Limit your fat intake. Your doctor will test your thyroid function before starting you on Orlistat to make sure that your weight problem is not due to an underactive thyroid gland. Orlistat is not an appropriate remedy for this problem. Orlistat increases the likelihood of kidney stones. Use Orlistat with caution if you have a history of this problem. If you have diabetes, weight-loss is likely to reduce your blood sugar levels. If you are taking an oral diabetes medication or insulin, your dose may have to be reduced. The safety and efficacy of this drug in children has not been established. |
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