INTERACTION: What is the interaction?

Orlistat may interact with other drugs. When taking Orlistat, the treatment of HIV may be reduced. The effect of the birth control pill may also be reduced.

Taking Orlistat with Ciclosporins at the same time is also not recommended, as this also reduces the effect. When taking oral anticoagulants, such as Marcumar, the INR values should be monitored more closely. An influence on therapy with antiepileptic drugs cannot be ruled out.

The simultaneous intake of orlistat with statins, Sartans, digoxin and amitryptyline is unproblematic. An interaction with alcohol could not be proven either. A direct interaction between the pill and orlistat could not be proven in the studies.

The effect should not be directly affected. However, orlistat can cause diarrhea and thus the absorption of the active ingredient of the pill may be reduced. In exceptional cases this can lead to unplanned pregnancies.

When taking Orlistat, and especially if side effects are present, additional contraception should therefore be used. No interactions between orlistat and alcohol have been found in studies. Alcohol can therefore be drunk in moderate amounts even while taking Orlistat. As part of a calorie-reduced diet, attention should be paid to the high calorie content of alcoholic beverages. Especially beverages with a lot of sugar and high alcohol content also contain many calories, which should be added to the daily requirement.

DOSING OF Orlistat

It is recommended to take 120mg Orlistat in the immediate vicinity, i.e. shortly before or after the main meals. If the main meal is skipped, the orlistat intake should also be skipped. No additional benefit can be expected from taking more than three units a day, but even an overdose is not critical. In certain pre-existing conditions, dose adjustment may be necessary. This should be discussed with the treating physician.

PRICE of Orlistat

The over-the-counter Orlistat preparations with 60mg active ingredient cost about 16 Euro per 42 tablets. Larger packages are slightly cheaper per tablet. The prescription dose of 120mg is 70 Euro for 84 tablets.

These are only available against a prescription. Orlistat is in most cases a private prescription and the costs have to be paid by the person concerned. Occasionally health insurance companies cover the costs afterwards.