What is the most important information I should know about orlistat?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to orlistat, or if you have
gallbladder
problems, or chronic
malabsorption syndrome (an inability to absorb food and
nutrients
properly).
Before taking orlistat, tell your doctor if you have an underactive thyroid, a history of
kidney stones or pancreatitis, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, an eating disorder, or if you take other
weight-loss medications (prescription or over-the-counter).
Do not give over-the-counter orlistat (Alli) to a child younger than 18 years old.
Prescription orlistat (Xenical) should not be used by anyone age 12 to 18 without the advice of a
doctor.
Orlistat
should be used only by the person it was prescribed or
recommended for and should never be shared with another person, especially someone
who has a history of eating disorder. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot
get to it.
Orlistat is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise,
and weight control. Your daily intake of fat, protein, and carbohydrates should be evenly divided
over all of your daily meals. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
Take orlistat during or within 1 hour after a meal that contains some fat (no more
than 30% of the calories for that meal). Orlistat is usually taken 3 times daily. If you skip a meal
or you eat a meal that does not contain any fat, skip your orlistat dose for that meal.
The fat content of your daily diet should not be greater than 30% of your total daily
caloric intake. Avoid a diet that is high in fat. High-fat meals taken in combination with orlistat
can increase your risk of unpleasant side effects on your stomach or intestines.
Read the label of all food items you consume, paying special attention to the number of
servings per container. Your doctor, nutrition counselor, or dietitian can help you develop a
healthy eating plan.
Your doctor may recommend you take vitamin and mineral supplements while you are
taking orlistat. This medication can make it harder for your body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins,
such as vitamins A, D, E, and K. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type of
multi-vitamin or mineral supplement to use. Take the supplement at least 2 hours before or after
you take orlistat.
What is orlistat?
Orlistat blocks some of the fat that you eat, keeping it from being absorbed by your body.
Orlistat is used together with a reduced-calorie diet and weight maintenance to treat
obesity in people with certain risk factors (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high
cholesterol or triglycerides).
Orlistat may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
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