This page is factual information, not an advertisement. It is intended for people who are already using or considering our service and want to read about the treatments a prescriber may discuss with them. It is not a recommendation, and it does not mean any of these treatments is suitable for you. Suitability is decided only after a consultation and clinical assessment.
The condition it is used for
Orlistat is used for weight management in adults, alongside a reduced calorie, lower fat diet.
What it is and how it is taken
Orlistat is a medicine that reduces the amount of fat absorbed from food. It is taken as a capsule with each main meal that contains fat, and the dose is omitted if a meal is missed or contains no fat.
How it is usually used
It is used alongside a reduced calorie, lower fat diet. Keeping dietary fat spread evenly across meals helps to reduce side effects.
More common side effects
The more common side effects relate directly to unabsorbed fat and include oily or fatty stools, wind with discharge, urgent or more frequent bowel movements and abdominal discomfort. These are considerably worse if the diet is high in fat.
Who it is generally not suitable for
It is generally not suitable in pregnancy and breastfeeding, in chronic malabsorption syndromes, or in cholestasis.
Key safety points
- It can reduce the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K, so a multivitamin taken at bedtime is often advised.
- It can interact with certain medicines, including some used for epilepsy, thyroid conditions, transplant rejection and blood thinning.
- Additional contraceptive precautions may be needed if severe diarrhoea occurs while taking oral contraception.
- Keeping dietary fat spread evenly across meals reduces side effects.
Other options
Other medicines and approaches exist for weight management, and which (if any) is suitable for you is decided at your consultation and clinical assessment.
If you experience a side effect from any medicine you can report it through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine.
Want to talk it through?
Whether any treatment is suitable for you is decided at a consultation. Arrange an assessment with our pharmacy team.