Orlistat is a drug that promotes loss of weight by preventing the digestion and absorption of fat in food. In the intestine, an enzyme called lipase (produced primarily by the pancreas) breaks apart fat in food so that it can be absorbed into the body. Orlistat blocks the action of lipase and thereby prevents the breakup and absorption of fat. Orlistat blocks absorption of about 25% of the fat in a meal. The unabsorbed fat is excreted in the stool.

 

Some medical conditions may interact with Orlistat . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

 

- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have a history of gallbladder, pancreas, or thyroid problems; diabetes; or kidney stones
- if you take medicine for diabetes or thyroid problems, or if you take any other medicines for weight loss

 

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Orlistat . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

 

- Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because the risk of bleeding may be increased by Orlistat
- Amiodarone or cyclosporine because their effectiveness may be decreased by Orlistat

 

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Orlistat may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

 

 

Use Orlistat as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

 

- An extra patient leaflet is available with Orlistat . Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
- Read the chart on the medicine package. You may consider starting Orlistat if your weight is the same or more than the weight shown for your height. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
- Take Orlistat by mouth with each meal contaiing fat. Do not take more than 3 capsules daily.
- If a meal is missed or contains no fat, do not take a dose of Orlistat .
- Orlistat may decrease your absorption of vitamins. Take a multivitamin once a day at bedtime.
- If you miss a dose of Orlistat , take it as soon as you remember. Continue to take it as directed by your doctor or on the package label.

 

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Orlistat.

 

 

Keep ORLISTAT in the original container and keep the container closed. Store it in a dry place at room temperature.

 

Do not give your ORLISTAT capsules to anyone else. It has been prescribed only for you. Keep ORLISTAT and all medications out of the reach of children.