Orlistat is a drug used for weight loss in people who are overweight or obese. This drug can also reduce the risk of gaining weight again. To be more effective, the consumption of this drug must be accompanied by regular exercise and diet to limit calorie intake.
Orlistat is an anti-obesity drug that works by inhibiting fat-breaking enzymes, so fat cannot be digested and absorbed by the body. That way, the fat consumed will be removed and the weight is expected to be reduced. Orlistat should only be used as prescribed by a doctor.
orlistat trademark: Lesofat, Obeslim, Vistat, Xenical
What's that Orlistat
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Antiobesity drug |
| Benefit | Reduce fat absorption |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Orlistat for pregnant and lactating women | Category X: Studies in experimental animals and humans have shown a risk to the fetus. Drugs in this category should not be taken by women who are or have the possibility of becoming pregnant. It is not known whether orlistat is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Capsule |
Warning Before Consuming Orlistat
Orlistat should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. Here are some things you need to pay attention to before taking orlistat:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Orlistat should not be used in patients allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had kidney disease, malabsorption syndrome, diabetes, or a disorder of the bile ducts, such as cholestasis.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, especially contraceptives, ciclosporin, anticoagulants, or vitamins A, D, E, and K, because orlistat can interfere with their performance.
- Do not use orlistat if you are not eating fatty foods, because this medication only acts on foods that contain fat.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction, serious side effects, or overdose after taking orlistat.
Dosis and Rules of Use Orlistat
The dosage and rules for using orlistat will be determined by the doctor and adjusted to the body mass index, so it is necessary to first measure the body mass index (BMI). Orlistat is only recommended for obese people who have a BMI value of 27 kg/m² or more.
For patients with a BMI of 27kg/m² or more, the general dose of orlistat that will be given by the doctor is 60–120 mg, 3 times a day with each meal per day. Weight monitoring will be carried out regularly.
Always follow the control schedule and doctor's recommendations while undergoing treatment with orlistat. Generally, after 12 weeks of taking this drug, obese people can experience weight loss as much as 5 percent of their initial body weight.
How to Consume Orlitsat correctly
Follow the doctor's recommendations and read the instructions for use on the packaging before taking orlistat.
Orlistat should be taken with food or no later than 1 hour after eating. Orlistat only works if there is fat from food that enters the body.
Make sure that there is sufficient time between one dose and the next. If you forget to take your medicine, ignore it and continue taking your medicine as usual at the next meal. Do not double the dose of orlistat at your next meal to make up for the missed dose.
During treatment with orlistat, it is recommended to eat foods with moderate calories, reduce fat consumption, eat fiber-rich foods, and exercise regularly.
Store orlistat in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and out of reach of children.
Interaction Orlistat with other drugs
The following are a number of interactions that can occur if orlistat is taken at the same time as other medicines:
- Decreases the effectiveness of antiretroviral drugs, such as atazanavir, ritonavir, or tenofovir
- Reduces blood levels and effectiveness of amiodarone or ciclosporin
- Decreased absorption of iodized salt, beta carotene, or fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K
- Decreases the effectiveness of contraceptive drugs, such as birth control pills
- Increased risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant drugs, such as warfarin
Side Effects and Dangers Orlistat
Side effects that can arise after taking orlistat are:
- Fatty stools
- Bloated
- Fecal incontinence
- Oil spots appear on underwear
- Sudden heartburn and an urge to defecate
Check with a doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not go away or get worse. Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction or a more serious side effect, such as:
- Pain in the bladder
- Changes in the color of urine and stool
- Pain when urinating
- Jaundice
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Unusual fatigue and weakness