OBESLIM

# Orlistat 120 mg ## Short Description Orlistat 120 mg is a **weight-management medicine** used together with a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet and regular physical activity. It works in the digestive tract by reducing the amount of dietary fat absorbed by the body, which can help support weight loss and weight maintenance in eligible adults. ## Key Benefits * Helps reduce absorption of dietary fat * Supports weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie diet * May help maintain weight loss with continued lifestyle changes * Can improve some obesity-related health risk factors when meaningful weight loss is achieved * Works locally in the digestive tract with limited systemic absorption ## Uses / Indications Orlistat 120 mg may be prescribed for: * **Obesity or overweight in eligible adults** * Weight management alongside a reduced-calorie diet * Long-term weight maintenance after initial weight loss It is generally considered for people whose body weight meets specific medical criteria, such as a sufficiently high BMI or obesity-related risk factors. ## How It Works Orlistat is a **lipase inhibitor**. It blocks gastrointestinal enzymes called pancreatic and gastric lipases. These enzymes normally break dietary fat into smaller components that can be absorbed. By inhibiting these enzymes, orlistat prevents approximately **one-third of dietary fat from being absorbed**. The unabsorbed fat passes out of the body in the stool. Because it works on dietary fat, following a lower-fat diet can help reduce gastrointestinal side effects. ## Dosage & Administration * The usual adult dose of Orlistat 120 mg is **120 mg with each main meal containing fat** * It may be taken immediately before, during or up to 1 hour after a main meal * If a meal contains no fat, the dose should generally be omitted * Do not take more than the prescribed amount * Orlistat should be combined with a **reduced-calorie, nutritionally balanced diet** * Dietary fat should be distributed across the day's meals rather than concentrated in one meal * Take a multivitamin supplement containing fat-soluble vitamins when recommended by your healthcare professional * The multivitamin is generally taken at least **2 hours apart from Orlistat**, often at bedtime * If you miss a meal or the meal contains no fat, do not take Orlistat for that meal * Do not take a double dose to compensate for a missed dose ## Side Effects Because Orlistat reduces fat absorption, gastrointestinal effects are particularly common. Possible side effects include: * Oily or fatty stools * Increased bowel movements * Urgent need to pass stool * Loose stools * Abdominal discomfort * Flatulence with discharge * Oily spotting * Fecal incontinence * Bloating These effects are often more noticeable after meals containing a high amount of fat. Rare but potentially serious effects may include: * Liver injury * Kidney stones or kidney-related complications * Severe allergic reactions * Pancreatitis Seek urgent medical attention for severe abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe allergic symptoms or other serious reactions. ## Precautions & Warnings * Orlistat should be used together with a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet * Avoid very high-fat meals because they can significantly increase gastrointestinal side effects * Orlistat can reduce absorption of **fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K** * A multivitamin supplement may be recommended * Take the multivitamin at least 2 hours apart from Orlistat * Tell your doctor if you have chronic malabsorption syndrome * Orlistat should not be used in people with cholestasis * Inform your doctor if you have a history of kidney stones or kidney disease * Tell your doctor if you have diabetes because weight loss may affect blood glucose control and diabetes medicines may require adjustment * Tell your doctor if you have thyroid disease or take thyroid medication * Seek medical attention for symptoms suggesting liver injury, such as persistent nausea, severe weakness, dark urine or yellowing of the skin or eyes * Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding * Orlistat is **not intended for weight loss during pregnancy** * Keep out of reach of children ## Drug Interactions Orlistat may interact with or affect absorption of several medicines, including: * **Cyclosporine** — Orlistat may reduce cyclosporine absorption; separate administration and monitoring may be required * **Levothyroxine** — absorption may be reduced; administration should be separated and thyroid function monitored as appropriate * **Warfarin and other anticoagulants** — changes in vitamin K absorption may affect anticoagulation control * **Antiepileptic medicines** — absorption or seizure control may potentially be affected * **Amiodarone** — absorption may be reduced * **Diabetes medicines** — weight loss may alter blood glucose control and doses may need adjustment * **Fat-soluble vitamin supplements** — absorption can be reduced by Orlistat Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription medicines, OTC medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements you use. ## Storage Information * Store according to the manufacturer's instructions * Keep capsules in their original packaging * Protect from excessive heat, moisture and direct sunlight * Keep the container tightly closed * Store at the temperature specified on the product label * Keep out of reach and sight of children * Do not use after the expiry date ## Prescription Status Orlistat 120 mg is generally a **prescription medicine** in many countries. Lower-strength orlistat products may have different dispensing requirements depending on local regulations. Use Orlistat 120 mg under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. ## Genuine Medicine Assurance * Purchase Orlistat only from a licensed and reputable pharmacy * Verify the active ingredient and strength: **Orlistat 120 mg** * Check the manufacturer, batch number and expiry date * Ensure the packaging and seal are intact * Confirm that the strength matches the prescription * Do not use capsules from damaged or suspicious packaging * Purchase medicines from authorized sources * If you suspect the medicine is counterfeit, consult a pharmacist or the appropriate medicine regulatory authority ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is Orlistat 120 mg used for? Orlistat 120 mg is used for **weight management in eligible adults with overweight or obesity**, together with a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet and physical activity. ### Is Orlistat a weight-loss medicine? Yes. Orlistat is a medicine used to support weight loss by reducing the amount of dietary fat absorbed by the body. ### How does Orlistat 120 mg work? Orlistat blocks digestive enzymes called lipases, preventing some dietary fat from being broken down and absorbed. The unabsorbed fat is eliminated in the stool. ### How much weight can I lose with Orlistat? Weight loss varies between individuals. Orlistat works best when combined with a calorie-controlled, lower-fat diet and regular physical activity. Your healthcare professional can help establish realistic weight-loss goals. ### Does Orlistat burn fat? No. Orlistat does not directly "burn" stored body fat. It **reduces the absorption of dietary fat** from meals. ### When should I take Orlistat 120 mg? Take 120 mg immediately before, during or up to 1 hour after a main meal containing fat. If the meal contains no fat, the dose should generally be skipped. ### Can I take Orlistat without eating? Orlistat is intended to be taken around meals. If you skip a meal or the meal contains no fat, there is generally no need to take the dose. ### What happens if I eat too much fat while taking Orlistat? A high-fat meal can increase side effects such as oily stools, diarrhea, gas, bowel urgency and fecal leakage. Distributing fat evenly across meals can help. ### Does Orlistat cause diarrhea? Yes. Diarrhea and loose or oily stools are common, particularly when eating high-fat meals. ### Why does Orlistat cause oily stools? Orlistat prevents some dietary fat from being absorbed. The unabsorbed fat passes through the digestive tract and is eliminated in the stool, which can make stools oily or greasy. ### Can Orlistat reduce vitamin absorption? Yes. Orlistat can reduce absorption of **fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K**. A multivitamin supplement may therefore be recommended. ### When should I take vitamins with Orlistat? If a multivitamin is recommended, it is generally taken **at least 2 hours apart from Orlistat**, often at bedtime. ### Can Orlistat be used for obesity? Yes. Orlistat is specifically used as part of a comprehensive weight-management program for eligible people with obesity or overweight. ### Can Orlistat be used without diet and exercise? Orlistat is intended to be used together with a reduced-calorie diet and physical activity. Lifestyle changes are an important part of successful long-term weight management. ### Is Orlistat safe for long-term use? Orlistat can be used for longer-term weight management in appropriate patients under medical supervision. Your doctor should periodically assess whether continued treatment is beneficial. ### Can Orlistat be taken with Levothyroxine? Orlistat can reduce levothyroxine absorption. If both medicines are needed, they may need to be taken at separate times and thyroid function may require monitoring. ### Can Orlistat be taken with Warfarin? Orlistat may affect vitamin K absorption and can potentially affect anticoagulation control. People taking warfarin should have appropriate monitoring and medical supervision. ### Can Orlistat be taken with Diabetes medicines? Yes, but weight loss can change blood glucose levels and the dose of diabetes medicines may need adjustment. Monitor blood glucose as advised by your healthcare professional. ### Can Orlistat be taken during pregnancy? Orlistat is **not recommended for weight loss during pregnancy**. Maintaining adequate nutrition is particularly important during pregnancy. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. ### Can Orlistat be used while breastfeeding? Weight-loss treatment with Orlistat is generally not recommended during breastfeeding without medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional before use. ### Does Orlistat cause stomach pain? Abdominal discomfort, bloating, gas and changes in bowel movements can occur. Severe or persistent abdominal pain should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. ### Can Orlistat cause liver problems? Rarely, serious liver injury has been reported. Seek medical attention for yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, persistent severe weakness or other symptoms of liver problems. ### Can Orlistat cause kidney stones? Orlistat may increase the risk of certain kidney-related complications in susceptible people. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or a history of kidney stones. ### Does Orlistat cause weight gain after stopping? Weight can increase again after stopping any weight-management treatment if calorie intake increases or lifestyle changes are not maintained. Long-term dietary and physical-activity habits are important. ### Is Orlistat addictive? No. Orlistat is not considered an addictive medicine. ### What happens if I miss an Orlistat dose? If you forget a dose and more than 1 hour has passed since your meal, skip that dose. Do not take an extra dose later. ### Can Orlistat be taken with a low-fat meal? Yes. If the meal contains little or no fat, Orlistat may provide little benefit and the dose may generally be skipped according to prescribing instructions. ### How long does Orlistat take to work? Orlistat begins acting on dietary fat during digestion. Weight loss develops gradually over weeks and months when the medicine is combined with appropriate diet and physical activity. ### What should I do if Orlistat is not helping me lose weight? Do not increase the dose yourself. Your doctor may review your diet, physical activity, adherence, other medicines and underlying health conditions to determine whether continuing Orlistat is appropriate. ## Medical Disclaimer This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. **Orlistat 120 mg is a prescription weight-management medicine that should be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional and together with an appropriate diet and physical activity program.** The suitability of Orlistat depends on individual health status, BMI, medical history and other medicines. Do not exceed the prescribed dose. Seek medical attention for severe abdominal pain, signs of liver injury, kidney-related symptoms or serious allergic reactions.