Before taking orlistat, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune);
digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps); or
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).
If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use orlistat,
or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
There may be other drugs not listed that can affect orlistat. Tell your doctor about all the
prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal
products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without
telling your doctor.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic
reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop taking orlistat and call your doctor at once if you have severe pain in your upper
stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, and a fast heart rate. These could be signs
of pancreatitis.
The following side effects occur commonly with the use of orlistat. They are the natural
effects of orlistat's fat-blocking action and are actually signs that the medication is working
properly. These side effects are usually temporary and may lessen as you continue treatment with
orlistat:
oily spotting in your undergarments;
oily or fatty stools;
orange or brown colored oil in your stool;
gas with discharge, an oily discharge;
loose stools, or an urgent need to go to the bathroom,
inability to control bowel movements;
Other side effects that may occur while taking orlistat include:
problems with your teeth or gums;
cold or flu symptoms;
headache, back pain; or
skin rash or itching.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
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