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Orlistat 120mg Capsules

Orlistat 120mg Capsules

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Buy Orlistat Online in the UK

Orlistat 120mg capsules work by blocking the absorption of dietary fats, supporting weight loss efforts and maintaining a healthier lifestyle. Available with an online consultation from our team.

Suitable for age: 18 Years +
Maximum per order:3
Consultation required?Yes

This treatment requires an online consultation for review by our medical team. The decision to supply the specific treatment and quantity requested will be based on whether our medical team are satisfied that it will be safe, appropriate, and effective.

Generic Treatment?Yes

This is a generic medicine and manufacturer of the treatment supplied may vary from the treatment image above, depending on availability. Please contact us once you've placed your order if you require a specific brand and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Type of medicine
Lipase inhibitor
Works by
Prevents the absorption of dietary fat into the body.
Active ingredient
Orlistat
Effective within
1 - 3 months
Pack size
84 Capsules
Strength
120mg
Manufacturer
Teva, Crescent, Accord, Alissa Healthcare
Generic
Yes
Use with alcohol
In moderation

Orlistat Medical Information

How Do Orlistat Capsules Work?

Orlistat is a prescription-only medication that’s designed to help you lose weight by reducing the amount of dietary fat absorbed by your body. If you’re prescribed Orlistat, you’ll need to take one capsule three times a day with each main meal you eat. Ideally you should space these meals apart fairly equally.

Orlistat works by blocking an enzyme called lipase. Lipase breaks down fat so it can be stored by your body. When you take Orlistat with your meals, around 25% of the dietary fat you consume won’t be absorbed by your body. Instead, it will pass through your intestines and come out in your bowel movements when you go to the toilet.

By reducing the amount of fat absorbed by your body, Orlistat could help you to lose weight. Increasing the amount of exercise you do and improving your diet alongside taking Orlistat, will help you get the best possible results from the medication. 


How to Take Orlistat

Orlistat 120mg capsules may be taken up to 3 times daily, 7 days a week. You may choose to take Orlistat with your meal or up to one hour after you've eaten. Swallow the whole capsule with a glass of water.

For a meal containing between 1g and 15g of fat, you may take an Orlistat capsule with your food or up to 1 hour after eating.

In between your meals, you should avoid foods that contain fat, such as chocolate, biscuits, or even savoury snacks.

Do not take Orlistat weight loss supplements if:

  • You eat a fat-free meal (there will be no fat for Orlistat to work on)
  • You skip a meal
  • You eat a high-fat meal, as this will increase the potential gastrointestinal side effects

Read our Orlistat Diet Plan for more information on what you should and shouldn't eat when using this treatment.

Orlistat Ingredients

Each capsule contains the active ingredient: Orlistat 120 mg.

Orlistat capsules contain the inactive ingredient: microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, sodium lauryl sulfate, povidone, and talc. Each capsule shell contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, and FD&C Blue No.

Side Effects of Orlistat

As with any other medication, you might experience some adverse effects. The milder side effects can get better over time. But if you experience persistent or serious side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Contact a member of our team if you're concerned about any of the potential side effects that could affect you when taking Orlistat 120mg capsules.

If you do experience side effects from Orlistat 120mg capsules, they may include:

  • Abdominal pains
  • Bloating or wind
  • Urgent need to open the bowels
  • Liquid, fatty or oily stools

Other less common side effects when taking Orlistat may include:

  • Rectal pain/discomfort
  • Soft stools
  • Incontinence (stools)
  • Tooth/gum disorder
  • Irregularity of menstrual cycle
  • Tiredness

For the full list of potential side effects, read the Patient Information Leaflet.

Warnings

You shouldn't take Orlistat if:

  • You are under 18
  • Have a BMI lower than 28
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding

To gain the maximum benefit from Orlistat 120mg tablets, you should follow the nutrition program recommended to you by your doctor. As with any weight-control program, overconsumption of fat and calories may reduce any weight loss effect.

  • We understand that changes in bowel habits can be unsettling. Please know that these are generally harmless and are a result of how Orlistat works to eliminate undigested fat. The possibility of this happening may increase if Orlistat is taken with a diet high in fat. In addition, your daily intake of fat should be distributed evenly over three main meals because if Xenical is taken with a meal very high in fat, the possibility of gastrointestinal effects may increase.
  • The use of an additional contraceptive method is recommended to prevent possible failure of oral contraception that could occur in case of severe diarrhoea.
  • The use of Orlistat may be associated with renal stones in patients suffering from chronic kidney disease. Inform your doctor whether you suffer from problems with your kidney.

Orlistat and Other Medicines

Orlistat may modify the activity of certain drugs. If you are taking any of the following, you should see your doctor before taking Orlistat:

  • Anticoagulant drugs (e.g. warfarin). Your doctor may need to monitor your blood coagulation.
  • Ciclosporin. Your doctor may need to monitor your ciclosporin blood levels more frequently than usual.
  • Iodine salts and/or levothyroxine. Cases of hypothyroidism and/or reduced control of hypothyroidism may occur.
  • Amiodarone. You may ask your doctor for advice.
  • Medicines to treat HIV.
  • Antidiabetic drug (Acarbose).

Orlistat may unbalance an anticonvulsant treatment by decreasing the absorption of antiepileptic drugs, thus leading to convulsions. Please contact your doctor if you think that the frequency and/or severity of the convulsions have changed when taking Orlistat together with antiepileptic drugs.

Sources

Orlistat 120mg Capsules FAQs

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Donald Grant

Authored by

Dr Donald Grant
Donald Grant
MB ChB DRCOG MRCGP Dip.orth.med
3058367
GP & Clinical Advisor

Dr Don Grant is The Independent Pharmacy's original online prescriber and has advanced in his role to become the Clinical Advisor, using his wealth of experience to advise on our clinical polices and prescribing guidelines.

Daniel Hurley

Reviewed by

Daniel Hurley
Daniel Hurley
MPharm IP
2078790
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber

Dan is an experienced pharmacist having spent time working in both primary and secondary care. He currently supports our clinical team by providing robust clinical governance review of our internal processes and information.