Orlistat

Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor used help very overweight or obese people lose weight. It is prescribed for those people with a body mass of 28 kg per square meter or higher or if they are at a risk factor for obesity-related diseases such as high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes or raised blood cholesterol. Orlistat is used with an individualized low-fat, low-calories diet and exercise program to help obese and overweight people lose weight. It’s also used after a weight loss to help them keep from gaining back loss weight.

Lipase inhibitor like Orlistat works by preventing some of the fat in the foods eaten from being absorbed by the intestines. It’s not absorbed into the bloodstream but works locally in the small intestine and in the stomach. It works by inhibiting the pancreatic and gastric lipases which break down the triglycerides fat in the intestines from the foods you eat.

When this activity is blocked, the fat from your diet is not hydrolyzed into absorbable fatty acids, and instead are excreted unchanged. This reduces the caloric intake and your body cannot use the fat as a source of energy. The unabsorbed fat is then removed from the body in the stool. Orlistat is sometimes prescribed for purposes as determined by your physician.

Why Buy Orlistat?

Orlistat is designed to treat obesity and is marketed in prescription and non-prescription forms. The prescription form is used in obese and overweight people who may also have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart disease. Orlistat is FDA-approved in the US and marketed under different brand-names. The effectiveness of this medication in promoting weight loss is definite but modest. Those who take Orlistat in addition to lifestyle change such as exercise and diet loses about 2-3 kg more than those who are not taking this medicine.

Orlistat also prevents the onset of type 2 diabetes and reduces blood pressure from weight loss itself and other effect on a long-term use.

How to Take Orlistat?

Orlistat comes in a capsule form that you need to take orally. Take it exactly as instructed on the label or as directed by your physician. The typical recommended dose is one capsule three times a day with each main meal that contains fat. You can take it during a meal or one hour after a meal.

If you eat a meal that does not contain fats or you have skipped a meal, skip your dose for that meal. The fat content of your diet should not exceed 30% of your total caloric intake. If you eat a meal that is very high in fat, you are more likely to experience side effects as a result of the indigested fat passing through your gut. Do not take more or less than what is prescribed to you. Do not take more than 3 capsules in a day.

For a missed dose take Orlistat 1 hour after a main meal. If it is longer than 1 hour after eating, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing. Do not take to capsules to make up for the missed one. Swallow the capsule whole with water.

What are the side effects of Orlistat?

Orlistat may cause some side effects. Common side effects are:

• Soft stools
• Fatty or oily stools
• Oily spotting from the rectum
• Flatulence
• Anxiety
• Abdominal pain
• Faecal incontinence

Uncommon side effects include:

• Gallstones
• Diverticulitis
• Inflammation of the liver
• Kidney stones
• Raised liver enzymes
• Rectal bleeding
• Skin blistering

In case of serious and bothersome side effect, contact your doctor right away.

We care for your safety

• Orlistat is notorious for its gastrointestinal side effects which includes having an oily loose stool. However, this decreases with time.
• This medication is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes exercise and diet. Use Orlistat in conjunction with a lower fat diet and reduced calorie. Follow your medication, exercise routines and diet very closely. Your daily intake of proteins, fat and carbohydrate should be evenly divided over all of your daily meals.
• You may need to take mineral and vitamin supplements as this medicine can make it harder for your body to absorb certain vitamins. You may take your supplements during bedtime or 2 hours before or after taking this medicine.
• When eating meat, fish or chicken, eat only 2 or 3 ounces which is about 55 grams or 85 grams per serving. Remove skin from poultry products and choose lean cut meat. Cook with less fat. Use vegetable oil when cooking.
• When dining out, request foods to prepare with little or no added oil.
• Your actual fat consumption and calorie intake depends on your level of physical activity and initial weight. Read the package leaflet for more information.
• Once you’ll stop taking Orlistat, continue eating a healthy balanced diet and have regular exercise so you can keep your weight off for good.
• Consult with your doctor if you experience rectal bleeding while taking this medication.
• Orlistat can reduce the effectiveness of contraceptive pills. If you are taking pills for contraception, you may need to use additional method of contraception to prevent pregnancy.
• Stop taking Orlistat if you are unable to lose weight even if you have been taking it for 12 weeks along with lifestyle changes.
• Do not use Orlistat if:
  • You have been using it for longer than 6 months.
  • You are under 18 years of age should not use this medication.
  • Your body mass index is less than 28 kg per m².
  • You have chronic malabsorption syndrome
  • You are breastfeeding
  • You are taking ciclosporin, warfarin and other anti-coagulants.
  • You have cholestasis, a condition where the normal flow of bile from the liver to the intestine is blocked.
• Use Orlistat with caution if:
  • You have diabetes
  • You have kidney disease
  • You are taking anti-epileptic, antidepressant or antipsyhcotic medications
  • You are taking medications for your underactive thyroid gland
  • You are taking medications for HIV infection