The active ingredient orlistat is used to treat severe obesity. It reduces the absorption of fat from food and thus supports weight loss. Orlistat should only be used in conjunction with a low-fat diet, as otherwise it can lead to increased side effects such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and greasy stools. We inform you about the correct use, effect and side effects of Orlistat.
Orlistat: decreased absorption of fat in the intestine.
Orlistat inhibits fat-splitting enzymes (lipases) in the stomach and small intestine so that fats from food are not split. As a result, some of the fats cannot be absorbed in the intestine and are excreted undigested in the stool. Taking Orlistat can reduce fat absorption by up to 30 percent. If the fat content of the daily diet is 60 grams, for example, up to 18 grams of fat can be saved per day. In this way, Orlistat increases weight loss when dieting: if you lose two kilograms with a low-fat, low-calorie diet alone, you can lose an additional kilogram of weight by taking Orlistat.
Low-fat diet necessary
Orlistat should always be used as part of a low-fat, low-calorie diet. For one thing, side effects such as diarrhea or greasy stools occur more frequently after meals that are too high in fat. On the other hand, sufficient weight loss cannot be achieved through the effect of Orlistat alone. If the overall fat content of the diet continues to be too high, too much fat will still be absorbed despite a reduction in fat intake due to Orlistat, so that weight loss success will not be achieved. In addition, Orlistat should not be taken for longer than six months and can therefore only support weight loss in the initial phase of losing weight. Important: For lasting weight loss, it is therefore essential that you change your diet to a balanced mixed diet in the long term. Also, make sure to exercise regularly to build muscle and increase caloric expenditure.
Use Orlistat correctly
The active ingredient is available in the form of capsules containing 60 milligrams and 120 milligrams. Since 2009, orlistat has been available over the counter at pharmacies in the 60 milligram dosage. However, a doctor’s prescription is required for the higher dosage. As a rule, one capsule is taken with each of the main meals. However, Orlistat only works if the food contains fat. So, for example, if you eat a fruit salad with low-fat curd cheese for breakfast, you should refrain from taking Orlistat. The same applies if you skip a meal. On the other hand, if you have a particularly high-fat meal, you should not increase the dosage. Also, make sure not to exceed the maximum dose of three capsules per day.
Orlistat: digestive discomfort as a common side effect.
When using orlistat, side effects in the gastrointestinal tract are common. Among other things, the following complaints may occur:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
- Greasy stools
- Fecal incontinence
To reduce the occurrence of the side effects, you should pay attention to a low-fat diet, since these side effects are caused mainly by the increased excretion of fat in the stool. In addition, deficiencies of vitamins A, D, E and K may occur as a result of taking Orlistat, as these vitamins are fat-soluble and can only be absorbed by the body in combination with fat. In this case, it may be advisable to take a multivitamin preparation after consulting a doctor. In rare cases, bile stasis can also lead to liver inflammation. This is manifested by symptoms such as yellowing of the skin and eyes, pain in the right upper abdomen and itching. Other rare side effects may include intestinal bleeding, inflammation of the colon, inflammation of the pancreas, and elevation of liver enzymes or oxalic acid in the blood.
Contraindications of orlistat
Orlistat may be used only by adults 18 years of age or older with a body mass index of at least 28. Children and adolescents are not allowed to take the drug. Orlistat should also not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as its effects and possible side effects in pregnant women have not been adequately studied to date. In addition, orlistat must not be taken in the following conditions:
- Bile stasis (cholestasis)
- Impaired absorption of food components in the intestine (malabsorption syndrome).
- Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient orlistat.
- Diseases requiring the use of ciclosporin (rheumatoid arthritis, certain skin diseases, organ transplantation).
- Diseases that require the use of blood-thinning medications such as Marcumar or warfarin.
Patients suffering from diabetes or kidney disease should take orlistat only after consulting a doctor.
Drug Interactions: Caution with anticoagulant drugs.
When taking orlistat, a number of interactions with various other medications may occur. For example, if aspirin is taken at the same time, the blood-thinning effect may be prolonged, whereas the effect of the anticoagulant prasugrel may be shortened. If you are taking any of these medicines, you should use Orlistat only after consulting your doctor. Medicines containing the active ingredients phenprocoumon (Marcumar) and warfarin, on the other hand, must not be taken at the same time as Orlistat. Furthermore, orlistat inhibits the absorption of the active ingredients amiodarone and ciclosporin as well as the effect of the cancer drug irinotecan. It may also interact with thyroid hormone preparations and certain drugs for epilepsy. Women taking contraceptive medications such as the birth control pill should use additional contraceptive measures, if necessary, because severe diarrhea may reduce the effectiveness of the birth control pill.
