Side effects of fat blockers

The adverse effects of Orlistat include abdominal pain, increased stool discharge, fecal incontinence, flatulence, pain in the rectum, discomfort in the teeth and gums, headaches, fatigue, anxiety, urinary tract infections (cystitis), kidney damage due to crystal deposition, respiratory tract infections, flu and menstrual problems.

Interactions of fat blockers

Orlistat can inhibit the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. This is because these vitamins can only be absorbed if they are surrounded by a layer of fat-soluble and water-soluble substances called micelles. Since fat blockers inhibit lipase, they also inhibit the breakdown of dietary fats and may result in reduced formation of micelles, thus reducing vitamin absorption. Furthermore, the medication should not be taken together with acarbose, a drug used to treat diabetes mellitus.

These two drugs may interfere with each other. Orlistat can lower the blood level of the heart medication amiodarone, so before taking Orlistat the attending physician-cardiologist should be consulted. It may also affect the effect of blood thinners (anticoagulants).

The blood values should therefore be checked regularly, especially at the beginning of the therapy. Orlistat should not be taken with the immunosuppressive drug Ciclospoprin A as it can reduce its effectiveness. In addition, Orlistat and the thyroid hormone L-thyorxine should not be taken at the same time but with sufficient time interval, if necessary the thyroxine dose must be adjusted. There is also evidence that orlistat affects the antiepileptic drugs valproate and lamotrigine, so that seizures may occur.

Fat blockers and alcohol – is it compatible?

In principle, there are no contraindications for alcohol consumption when taking Orlistat. However, since a hypocaloric (i.e. calorie-reduced) diet is recommended when taking Orlistat and alcohol contains relatively many calories, the consumption of alcohol should be significantly restricted.

When should I not take fat blockers?

Contraindications include known hypersensitivity reactions to the ingredients, a congestion of bile (cholestasis), for example in the context of gallstone disease, or known food intake or absorption disorders. Breastfeeding is also considered a contraindication for the use of fat blockers such as orlistat.