What is Orlistat 120 mg?

Orlistat 120 mg is a prescription-only weight-loss medicine used alongside a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet and increased physical activity. It is designed for adults living with obesity, or for some adults who are overweight and also have weight-related risk factors.

Unlike medicines that act mainly on appetite, orlistat works in the digestive system by reducing the amount of fat absorbed from food.

This product page refers to orlistat 120 mg capsules supplied on a private prescription following an online weight-management consultation.

How does Orlistat work?

Orlistat blocks enzymes called gastrointestinal lipases, which normally break down dietary fat so that it can be absorbed. When these enzymes are inhibited, some of the fat eaten in a meal passes through the bowel without being absorbed.

Because the medicine acts on dietary fat, it works best as part of a structured weight-management plan. Eating a meal that is very high in fat can increase gastrointestinal side effects such as oily stools, urgency and wind.

What is Orlistat 120 mg used for on this page?

On this product page, orlistat 120 mg is used specifically for adult weight management where treatment is clinically appropriate, including:

– Adults with a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 kg/m2 or more

– Adults with a BMI of 28 kg/m2 or more who also have associated weight-related risk factors

– Use alongside a nutritionally balanced, mildly reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity

It is not intended here for:

– People seeking weight loss who do not meet the treatment criteria

– Pregnancy

– Breastfeeding

– Children

– People with chronic malabsorption syndrome or cholestasis

– Use without dietary and lifestyle changes

Your prescriber will assess your BMI, health history, medicines, weight-related conditions and treatment goals before deciding whether orlistat is suitable.

Who may be suitable for Orlistat 120 mg?

You may be suitable if:

– You are an adult and meet the BMI criteria for treatment

– You are willing to follow a reduced-calorie, lower-fat eating plan

– You are able to spread your daily fat intake across your main meals

– You are willing to make longer-term changes to diet, activity and weight-management habits

– There are no contraindications or important medicine interactions that make treatment unsuitable

Your prescriber will consider:

– Your current weight, height and BMI

– Any weight-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol

– Your kidney, liver and thyroid history

– Whether you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding

– All regular medicines and supplements you use

– Whether there are other reasons for your weight change that need assessment

Who should not use Orlistat 120 mg or needs medical advice first?

Do not use orlistat if you:

– Are allergic to orlistat or any ingredient in the capsules

– Have chronic malabsorption syndrome

– Have cholestasis

– Are breastfeeding

Pregnancy and weight-loss treatment:

– Weight-loss treatment is not appropriate during pregnancy

– Tell your prescriber if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are trying for a baby

Use with particular caution and tell your prescriber if you:

– Take ciclosporin, because orlistat can reduce ciclosporin levels

– Take warfarin or another oral anticoagulant, because clotting monitoring may be affected

– Take levothyroxine, because thyroid control can occasionally be affected

– Take antiepileptic medicines such as valproate or lamotrigine

– Take antiretroviral medicines for HIV

– Take amiodarone

– Take acarbose

– Take medicines for diabetes, as weight loss may change the dose you need

– Have chronic kidney disease or are at risk of dehydration, because rare oxalate-related kidney injury has been reported

How do I take Orlistat 120 mg?

Your prescriber will confirm your exact directions. 

Your diet should be nutritionally balanced and mildly reduced in calories, with approximately 30% of calories coming from fat. Fat, carbohydrate and protein should be distributed across the three main meals rather than concentrating most of the daily fat into one meal.

Diet and vitamin advice

Because orlistat reduces the absorption of dietary fat, it can also reduce absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.

– Eat a balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables

– A multivitamin supplement may be recommended for some people

– If you use a multivitamin, take it at least 2 hours after orlistat or at bedtime

– Avoid very high-fat meals because these greatly increase the chance of gastrointestinal side effects

Contraception advice

Orlistat does not directly reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. However, severe diarrhoea can reduce absorption of the contraceptive pill. If severe diarrhoea occurs, use an additional contraceptive method in line with the advice for your contraceptive.

Side effects and when to get help

Most side effects are related to the digestive system and are more likely if your diet contains too much fat. Common effects include oily or fatty stools, oily spotting, wind with discharge, increased bowel movements, loose stools, abdominal discomfort and an urgent need to open your bowels.

These effects often improve as you become used to treatment and adjust the amount of fat in your diet.

Seek medical advice promptly if you develop severe or persistent abdominal pain, severe or persistent rectal bleeding, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe weakness, symptoms of kidney problems, a serious allergic reaction, or any other severe or unexpected symptoms.

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