Orlistat: Clinically Proven Weight Management Support
Orlistat
| Product dosage: 120mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per cap | Price | Buy |
| 30 | $4.50 | $135.00 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | $4.03 | $270.00 $242.00 (10%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $3.87 | $405.00 $348.00 (14%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $3.79
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| Product dosage: 60mg | |||
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| Package (num) | Per cap | Price | Buy |
| 30 | $1.97 | $59.00 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | $1.53 | $118.00 $92.00 (22%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $1.39 | $177.00 $125.00 (29%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $1.31 | $236.00 $157.00 (33%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $1.24 | $354.00 $223.00 (37%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $1.19 | $531.00 $322.00 (39%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $1.17
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Synonyms | |||
Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor medication approved for weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, or 27 or greater with other risk factors such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia. It functions by inhibiting gastric and pancreatic lipases in the gut, reducing dietary fat absorption by approximately 30%. This non-systemic mode of action supports sustainable weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie diet. Clinical studies demonstrate its efficacy in promoting significant weight reduction and improving obesity-related comorbidities over time.
Features
- Contains orlistat as the active pharmaceutical ingredient
- Available in 60 mg (over-the-counter) and 120 mg (prescription-only) formulations
- Non-systemic mechanism of action; acts locally in the gastrointestinal tract
- Requires three times daily dosing with meals containing fat
- Manufactured under strict pharmaceutical quality standards
- Compatible with long-term use under medical supervision
Benefits
- Supports clinically meaningful weight loss when used adjunctively with lifestyle modification
- Reduces absorption of dietary triglycerides, aiding in caloric deficit
- Improves metabolic parameters including LDL cholesterol, fasting glucose, and blood pressure
- Promotes adherence to a lower-fat dietary pattern through physiological feedback
- Provides a non-stimulant, non-central acting option for weight management
- Demonstrates maintained efficacy in long-term obesity treatment trials
Common use
Orlistat is indicated for obesity management in conjunction with a mildly hypocaloric diet. It is used in adult patients with an initial BMI ≥30 kg/m², or ≥27 kg/m² in the presence of other risk factors such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia. Treatment should be discontinued if weight loss targets are not met within 12 weeks. The medication is typically incorporated into comprehensive weight management programs that include dietary education, physical activity counseling, and behavioral support.
Dosage and direction
The recommended dosage is one 120 mg capsule taken three times daily with each main meal containing fat. Dosing may be timed during the meal or up to one hour after eating. If a meal is missed or contains no fat, the dose should be omitted. The maximum daily dosage should not exceed 360 mg. Treatment should be combined with a nutritionally balanced, reduced-calorie diet containing approximately 30% of calories from fat. Higher fat intake may increase gastrointestinal side effects. Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is advised to monitor progress and adjust management strategies.
Precautions
Patients should be advised to follow a diet consistent with dietary guidelines, with particular attention to fat distribution. A multivitamin supplement containing fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) should be taken once daily at least 2 hours before or after orlistat administration. Use with caution in patients with chronic malabsorption syndromes or cholestasis. Monitor renal function in those taking concomitant medications that may cause oxalate nephropathy. Not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Patients should be counseled about the likelihood of gastrointestinal events and strategies for dietary management to minimize these effects.
Contraindications
Orlistat is contraindicated in patients with chronic malabsorption syndrome or cholestasis. It should not be used by patients with hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation. Use is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Not recommended for use in pediatric populations or patients with anorexia nervosa or bulimia. Concomitant use with cyclosporine is contraindicated due to altered absorption. Patients taking warfarin or other anticoagulants require careful monitoring due to potential effects on vitamin K absorption.
Possible side effects
The most common adverse reactions are gastrointestinal in nature and result from increased fat excretion: oily spotting, flatus with discharge, fecal urgency, fatty/oily stool, oily evacuation, increased defecation, and fecal incontinence. These effects are generally mild to moderate, decrease over time, and are associated with dietary fat content. Other reported effects include abdominal pain/discomfort, nausea, vomiting, headache, upper respiratory infection, lower respiratory infection, influenza, anxiety, fatigue, menstrual irregularities, and dental/gum discomfort. Rare cases of hypersensitivity reactions including pruritus, rash, urticaria, angioedema, bronchospasm, and anaphylaxis have been reported.
Drug interaction
Orlistat may reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and beta-carotene. Patients taking warfarin should have INR monitored regularly due to potential effects on vitamin K levels. May reduce plasma concentrations of amiodarone, anticonvulsants (e.g., valproate, lamotrigine), and thyroid hormones (levothyroxine) – administer these medications at least 4 hours apart from orlistat. Can decrease absorption of cyclosporine; concomitant use is contraindicated. May potentially affect absorption of other lipophilic drugs including some HIV protease inhibitors and oral contraceptives – additional contraceptive methods are recommended.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, it should be skipped and the regular dosing schedule resumed with the next meal containing fat. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed administration. The medication is only effective when taken with meals containing dietary fat, as its mechanism requires the presence of fat for pharmacological activity.
Overdose
Cases of overdose have reported with manifestations including abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and oily rectal discharge. There is no specific antidote for orlistat overdose. Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. Medical attention should be sought if significant symptoms occur. Given its local action in the gastrointestinal tract, systemic toxicity is not expected even with substantial overdose.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Keep in the original container with the lid tightly closed to protect from moisture. Do not store in bathroom cabinets where humidity levels may fluctuate. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after the expiration date printed on the packaging.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual responses to medication may vary. Orlistat should be used only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional who can assess its appropriateness based on individual health status, medical history, and concurrent medications. Patients should not initiate or discontinue treatment without consulting their healthcare provider. The manufacturer’s prescribing information should be consulted for complete details regarding use, warnings, and precautions.
Reviews
Clinical trials demonstrate that orlistat produces significantly greater weight loss compared to placebo when combined with lifestyle modification. In one-year studies, approximately 35-55% of patients achieved ≥5% weight loss, with 16-25% achieving ≥10% weight loss. Long-term data over four years shows maintained weight reduction and reduced incidence of type 2 diabetes in predisposed individuals. Real-world evidence supports its effectiveness in routine clinical practice, though gastrointestinal side effects remain the most commonly reported concern among users. Patient satisfaction correlates with adequate pre-treatment education regarding dietary fat management and realistic expectation setting.