Orlistat

Can I buy Orlistat online?

Yes, you can safely purchase Orlistat online at PharmXtra. Before your order is supplied, you will need to complete an online consultation that is reviewed by a registered doctor who ensures Orlistat is suitable for you.

Do I need a prescription for Orlistat?

Yes, a prescription is required to buy Orlistat. All prescription medication requests are subject to an online clinical consultation, and a registered doctor will decide whether to prescribe it.

What is Orlistat?

Orlistat Weight Loss Capsules

• Orlistat helps reduce the amount of fat your body absorbs from food.
• It should be taken with each meal that contains fat.
• A daily multivitamin is recommended alongside Orlistat.
• Reducing dietary fat intake can help minimise side effects and improve results.
• Always read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects and precautions.

How Does Orlistat Work?

Orlistat is prescribed for people with a body mass index (BMI) over 30, or over 28 if they have a medical condition that could benefit from weight loss, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Orlistat works by blocking enzymes that typically help digest fat. This means some fat passes through the body undigested and is removed in the stool. To reduce the risk of side effects, it is advised to keep fat intake to around 30% of your total diet. Consuming too much fat while taking Orlistat may cause side effects such as flatulence, oily stools, or an urgent need to go to the toilet.

It is important to maintain a calorie-controlled diet while taking Orlistat. The medication helps reduce fat absorption, but a healthy diet and regular exercise are essential for the best results.

How is Orlistat Taken?

Orlistat is taken as a capsule with each meal. The capsule should be swallowed whole with water. If a meal does not contain any fat, you do not need to take a capsule.

Because Orlistat can reduce the absorption of specific vitamins, it is recommended to take a multivitamin daily as part of a balanced diet.

What is the recommended dosage?

The usual dose is 120mg three times a day, taken with each main meal. If you miss a meal or do not eat any fat, you can skip that dose.

To lower fat intake, consider:

• Using low-fat spreads, milk, and cheese.
• Grilling or poaching food instead of frying.
• Choosing lean cuts of meat.
• Reducing the use of cooking oil.

What side effects can it have?

Like all medications, Orlistat can cause side effects. The most common ones result from undigested fat passing through the body, including:

• Fatty, smelly stools
• Urgency to go to the toilet
• Oily spotting on your underwear
• Excess wind.

These side effects can often be reduced by limiting fat intake.

Other mild side effects include:

• Headache
• Mild abdominal pain and liquid stools
• Tiredness
• Anxiety
• Changes to your menstrual cycle.

Speak to a doctor if these side effects persist or become difficult to manage.

Some people may experience an increased risk of infections, such as chest or urinary tract infections, requiring antibiotic treatment.

Serious side effects include:

• Skin blistering
• Rectal bleeding
• Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes
• Severe abdominal pain due to pancreatitis or liver inflammation
• Unexplained bleeding or bruising.

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical advice immediately.

If you develop a severe allergic reaction (such as breathlessness, swelling of the lips or tongue), call 999 immediately.

What warnings does it come with?

Orlistat is not suitable for everyone. Speak to a healthcare professional if you:

• Take other medications, such as cholesterol-lowering or diabetes treatments.
• Have a history of kidney stones.
• Use an oral contraceptive.
• Are pregnant or trying to conceive.