Description

Why Choose Orlistat?
Orlistat provides an effective solution for weight management by blocking the absorption of dietary fats. When used alongside a calorie-controlled diet (with no more than 30% of your calories from fat) and increased physical activity, it can enhance weight loss efforts.

Key Benefits: Can lead to significant weight loss when combined with a healthy diet.Helps reduce the risk of weight-related health issues such as heart disease and diabetes.Patients may notice a difference in their weight management efforts within weeks of starting treatment.

Effectiveness of Orlistat
Orlistat can take about 24-48 hours to start working when you first begin taking it. You should start to see weight loss results within a few weeks, especially when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise. If you do not lose at least 5% of your body weight after three months, consult your doctor for alternative treatment options.

Alternatives to Orlistat:
Saxenda: An injectable weight loss treatment that affects hunger signals in the brain.
Mysimba: A combination of two medications that suppress appetite.

How Orlistat Works
Orlistat works by attaching to an enzyme in the digestive system called lipase, inhibiting its ability to break down dietary fat. This prevents about one-third of the fat from being absorbed into your body, allowing it to pass through your system instead.

How to Buy Orlistat
Orlistat is a prescription-only medication. You can order it online through Trim Healthcare by completing a medical questionnaire, which will be reviewed by a GMC-registered doctor. If Orlistat is suitable for you, your order will be processed, and it can be collected from a pharmacy or delivered discreetly to your home.

Managing Common Side Effects
While Orlistat is generally well-tolerated, some patients may experience side effects related to fat absorption, such as oily stools or gas with an oily discharge. To minimize these effects, maintain a low-fat diet while using Orlistat.

Patient Support Resources:
Consider seeking additional support through weight loss programs or counseling services to enhance your success with Orlistat. Programs that focus on dietary changes and physical activity can be particularly beneficial.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can Orlistat interact with other medications? Yes, Orlistat may interact with medications such as blood thinners, HIV treatment, and certain diabetes medications. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking.
2. What should I do if I miss a dose? If you miss a dose of Orlistat and it is within an hour of eating a meal, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s been more than an hour since your last meal, skip the missed dose.
3. How long can I use Orlistat? Orlistat is intended for long-term use as part of a comprehensive weight loss program. If you have not lost at least 5% of your body weight after three months, you should consult your doctor about alternative treatments.
4. Is Orlistat available through the NHS? Yes, Orlistat can be prescribed by NHS weight management services for eligible patients, typically those with a BMI of 30 or greater or 28 or greater with weight-related health conditions.

Dosage and Administration

Dosage: The recommended dose of Orlistat is one 120 mg capsule taken with each main meal (up to three times a day). You should take the capsule immediately before, during, or up to one hour after the meal. If your meal doesn’t contain fat or if you miss a meal, you should not take Orlistat.

Administration:
Take Orlistat with a full glass of water.
Avoid taking Orlistat with other medications; leave a gap of at least two hours before or after taking Orlistat to avoid absorption issues.

Side Effects and Precautions

Common Side Effects:
Headache
Oily stools
Gas with oily discharge
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Urgency to have bowel movements

Serious Side Effects:
Liver injury (symptoms may include yellowing of the skin or eyes)
Allergic reactions (such as rash, itching, or swelling)

Precautions:
Consult your healthcare provider if you have:
A history of kidney stones or kidney problems.
Gallbladder disease or are pregnant/breastfeeding.
Chronic malabsorption syndrome or cholestasis (liver disorder).

Contraindications:
Orlistat is not suitable for individuals who:
Are under 18 years of age.
Are breastfeeding.
Have chronic malabsorption syndrome.
Are allergic to Orlistat or any of its ingredients.