Orlistat Safety Questions, Orlistat Answers
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Orlistat Safety Reports
Total Orlistat reports: 43.Orlistat FDA safety alerts: No.
Reported deaths: 1 Reported hospitalizations: 25.
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Reported Orlistat Side Effects: chest pain, thrombosis, heat stroke, dehydration, fall, renal failure acute, respiratory arrest, chest discomfort, cerebrovascular accident, asthma, dyspnoea.
More About Orlistat.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5207155-X
Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED KINGDOM reported ORLISTAT problem on Jan 02, 2007. Female patient, 45 years of age, weighting 240.3 lb, was diagnosed with obesity and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: depressed mood, suicidal ideation. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5255223-9
ORLISTAT problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED KINGDOM on Feb 22, 2007. Female patient, 49 years of age, weighting 286.6 lb, was diagnosed with obesity, hypertension, liver transplant and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: gout. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with ASPIRIN, BENDROFLUAZIDE, ENALAPRIL MALEATE, MYCOPHENOLATE MOFETIL, PREDNISOLONE, TACROLIMUS. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5260908-4
Physician from UNITED STATES reported ORLISTAT problem on Feb 28, 2007. Female patient, 57 years of age, was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: nephropathy. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with FUROSEMIDE, DILTIAZEM, SINGULAIR, PANTOPRAZOLE, PAROXETINE, ALPRAZOLAM. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5263609-1
ORLISTAT problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED KINGDOM on Mar 05, 2007. Female patient, weighting 151.7 lb, was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: constipation. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with GLUCOPHAGE, AMITRIPTYLINE, ASPIRIN, BENDROFLUAZIDE, DICLOFENAC, LANSOPRAZOLE, LEVEMIR, MS CONTIN. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5263691-1
Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED KINGDOM reported ORLISTAT problem on Mar 05, 2007. Female patient, weighting 151.7 lb, was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: constipation. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with GLUCOPHAGE, AMITRIPTYLINE, ASPIRIN, BENDROFLUAZIDE, DICLOFENAC, LANSOPRAZOLE, LEVEMIR, MS CONTIN. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5269438-7
ORLISTAT problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED STATES on Mar 16, 2007. Female patient was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: acne, oily skin, skin disorder, weight increased. ORLISTAT dosage: 120 MG. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5313995-9
Health Professional from UNITED KINGDOM reported ORLISTAT problem on Apr 24, 2007. Female patient, 54 years of age, weighting 174.6 lb, was diagnosed with obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: nephritis interstitial, renal failure acute, renal tubular atrophy. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with METFORMIN, PERINDOPRIL. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5317105-3
ORLISTAT problem was reported by a Health Professional from UNITED KINGDOM on Apr 26, 2007. Female patient, 49 years of age, weighting 213.8 lb, was diagnosed with obesity, asthma and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: palpitations. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with PENICILLIN V, SALBUTAMOL. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5334782-1
Consumer or non-health professional from ECUADOR reported ORLISTAT problem on May 15, 2007. Female patient, 42 years of age, weighting 165.3 lb, was diagnosed with overweight and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: abortion spontaneous, laboratory test abnormal, pregnancy, stress. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5345970-2
ORLISTAT problem was reported by a Health Professional from UNITED KINGDOM on May 25, 2007. Female patient, 30 years of age, weighting 273.4 lb, was diagnosed with epilepsy and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: epilepsy. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with LAMOTRIGINE. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5071360-6
Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED KINGDOM reported ORLISTAT problem on July 20, 2006. Female patient, 22 years of age, was diagnosed with obesity and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: abortion induced, diarrhoea, pregnancy. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with MICROGYNON. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5096290-5
ORLISTAT problem was reported by a Physician from JAPAN on Aug 30, 2006. Female patient, 15 years of age, was diagnosed with obesity and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: blood immunoglobulin e increased, eosinophilia, hepatic trauma, hepatocellular damage, hepatotoxicity, hypersensitivity, pyrexia. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5109172-7
Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED KINGDOM reported ORLISTAT problem on Sept 11, 2006. Female patient, 37 years of age, weighting 308.6 lb, was diagnosed with obesity and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: pancreatitis. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with ACETAMINOPHEN W, DICLOFENAC. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5126867-X
ORLISTAT problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED KINGDOM on Oct 02, 2006. Female patient, 36 years of age, weighting 156.5 lb, was diagnosed with obesity and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: appendicitis. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with LANSOPRAZOLE. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5145236-X
Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED KINGDOM reported ORLISTAT problem on Oct 26, 2006. Female patient, 56 years of age, weighting 280.0 lb, was diagnosed with obesity, hypertension and was treated with ORLISTAT. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with AMLODIPINE, BENDROFLUAZIDE, DOXAZOSIN MESYLATE, LOSARTAN POSTASSIUM. Patient died.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5390229-0
ORLISTAT problem was reported by a Health Professional from UNITED KINGDOM on July 13, 2007. Female patient, 59 years of age, was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, abdominal pain and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: lactic acidosis, renal failure acute, shock. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with METFORMIN, CIMETIDINE. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5396781-3
Health Professional from UNITED KINGDOM reported ORLISTAT problem on July 13, 2007. Female patient, 59 years of age, weighting 176.4 lb, was diagnosed with obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, abdominal pain upper and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: abdominal pain, asthenia, circulatory collapse, depressed level of consciousness, diarrhoea, dizziness, dysarthria. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with METFORMIN, TAGAMET, ASPIRIN, BICARBONATE. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5400299-9
ORLISTAT problem was reported by a Health Professional from UNITED KINGDOM on July 18, 2007. Female patient, 65 years of age, weighting 271.2 lb, was diagnosed with obesity and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: renal failure. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with ASPIRIN, LERCANIDIPINE, METFORMIN, RAMIPRIL, SIMVASTATIN, INSULIN. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5408451-3
Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED STATES reported ORLISTAT problem on Aug 02, 2007. Female patient, 53 years of age, was diagnosed with weight control and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: nephrolithiasis. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5425206-4
ORLISTAT problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED KINGDOM on Aug 16, 2007. Male patient, 66 years of age, weighting 328.9 lb, was diagnosed with obesity and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: dyspnoea, ejection fraction abnormal, pulmonary oedema. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with ASPIRIN, ATENOLOL, RAMIPRIL, SIMVASTATIN, FRUSEMIDE, WARFARIN, METFORMIN, DIGOXIN. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5425207-6
Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED KINGDOM reported ORLISTAT problem on Aug 15, 2007. Male patient, 51 years of age, weighting 293.2 lb, was diagnosed with obesity and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: hallucination. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with STATIN NOS. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5426222-9
ORLISTAT problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED KINGDOM on Aug 16, 2007. Female patient, 72 years of age, weighting 211.9 lb, was diagnosed with obesity and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: gastrointestinal carcinoma. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with ASPIRIN, INSULIN. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5426308-9
Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED KINGDOM reported ORLISTAT problem on Aug 14, 2007. Female patient, 56 years of age, weighting 177.7 lb, was diagnosed with obesity, heart disease congenital, hypertension, back pain, angina pectoris and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: epistaxis, faeces discoloured. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with ASPIRIN, RAMIPRIL, DIHYDROCODEINE BITARTRATE, SENNA, ATORVASTATIN CALCIUM, LANSOPRAZOLE, ALFA CALCIDOL. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5427685-5
ORLISTAT problem was reported by a Pharmacist from UNITED STATES on Aug 22, 2007. Male patient, 61 years of age, was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: hyperthyroidism. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5429594-4
Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED KINGDOM reported ORLISTAT problem on Aug 19, 2007. Female patient, 43 years of age, weighting 233.9 lb, was diagnosed with obesity, asthma and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: asthma. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with VENTOLIN, SEREVENT, ANTIHYPERTENSIVE NOS. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5429595-6
ORLISTAT problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED KINGDOM on Aug 17, 2007. Male patient, 57 years of age, weighting 238.1 lb, was diagnosed with obesity and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: cerebrovascular accident, hypersensitivity. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5429596-8
Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED KINGDOM reported ORLISTAT problem on Aug 17, 2007. Male patient, 72 years of age, weighting 280.0 lb, was diagnosed with obesity, hypertension, cardiac disorder, thrombosis prophylaxis, gastrointestinal disorder and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: cerebrovascular accident. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with CLOPIDOGREL, BISOPROLOL, ACRIVASTIN, ASPIRIN, AMLODIPINE, RAMIPRIL, LANSOPRAZOLE. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5439511-9
ORLISTAT problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED KINGDOM on Aug 22, 2007. Male patient, 59 years of age, weighting 252.0 lb, was diagnosed with obesity and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: skin cancer. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5439518-1
Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED KINGDOM reported ORLISTAT problem on Aug 23, 2007. Female patient, 69 years of age, weighting 158.7 lb, was diagnosed with obesity, hypothyroidism, anxiety, hypertension, ill-defined disorder and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: feeling abnormal, pallor, transient ischaemic attack. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with LEVOTHYROXINE, CIPRALEX, LOSARTAN POTASSIUM, FRUSEMIDE, OMEPRAZOLE. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5440490-9
ORLISTAT problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED KINGDOM on Aug 20, 2007. Female patient, 76 years of age, weighting 238.1 lb, was diagnosed with obesity, depression, pain, hypertension and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: concussion, fall, respiratory disorder, rib fracture. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with CITALOPRAM, PARACETAMOL, VIOXX, LANSOPRAZOLE, AMLODIPINE, RAMIPRIL, METFORMIN, QUININE. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5442114-3
Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED KINGDOM reported ORLISTAT problem on Aug 22, 2007. Female patient, 60 years of age, weighting 229.3 lb, was diagnosed with obesity, constipation, hypertension and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: genital disorder female. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with LACTULOSE, PARACETAMOL, RAMIPRIL. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5442115-5
ORLISTAT problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED KINGDOM on Aug 22, 2007. Female patient, 57 years of age, weighting 244.9 lb, was diagnosed with obesity, hypothyroidism and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: kidney infection, nephrolithiasis. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with LEVOTHYROXINE. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5442135-0
Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED KINGDOM reported ORLISTAT problem on Aug 23, 2007. Female patient, 46 years of age, weighting 197.5 lb, was diagnosed with obesity, asthma and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: chest pain, dehydration, heat stroke. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with BECOTIDE, IRON, VITAMIN B. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5444821-5
ORLISTAT problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED KINGDOM on Aug 28, 2007. Female patient, 67 years of age, weighting 269.0 lb, was diagnosed with obesity and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: abdominal distension, chest discomfort, dyspnoea, nausea. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with VENTOLIN, PULMICORT, SEREVENT, LOSEC I, GLICLAZIDE, INSULIN, CODEINE PHOSPHATE AND ACETAMINOPHEN. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5444823-9
Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED KINGDOM reported ORLISTAT problem on Aug 28, 2007. Female patient, 76 years of age, weighting 238.1 lb, was diagnosed with obesity, depression, pain, hypertension and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: fall. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with CITALOPRAM HYDROBROMIDE, PARACETAMOL, VIOXX, LANSOPRAZOLE, AMLODIPINE, RAMIPRIL, METFORMIN, QUININE. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5447623-9
ORLISTAT problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED KINGDOM on Aug 30, 2007. Female patient, 29 years of age, weighting 304.2 lb, was diagnosed with obesity, depression, asthma and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: asthma, depression, stress. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with EFFEXOR, QUETIAPINE FUMARATE, VALPROATE, TRAZODONE, ZOPICLONE, CLONAZEPAM, PHYLLOCONTIN, MONTELUKAST. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5447625-2
Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED KINGDOM reported ORLISTAT problem on Aug 29, 2007. Female patient, 76 years of age, weighting 224.0 lb, was diagnosed with obesity and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: respiratory arrest, thrombosis. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5455971-1
ORLISTAT problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED KINGDOM on Sept 07, 2007. Male patient, 53 years of age, weighting 306.4 lb, was diagnosed with obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: thrombosis. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with ASPIRIN, ENALAPRIL MALEATE, METFORMIN, SIMVASTATIN. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5456002-X
Physician from UNITED KINGDOM reported ORLISTAT problem on Sept 07, 2007. Female patient, 76 years of age, weighting 238.1 lb, was diagnosed with obesity, depression, pain, hypertension and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: fall. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with CITALOPRAM, PARACETAMOL, VIOXX, LANSOPRAZOLE, AMLODIPINE, RAMIPRIL, METFORMIN, QUININE BISULPHATE. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5464247-8
ORLISTAT problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED KINGDOM on Sept 13, 2007. Female patient, 45 years of age, weighting 176.4 lb, was diagnosed with obesity, neck pain and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: chest discomfort, chest pain, pain in extremity. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with ARTHROTEC, AMITRIPTYLINE. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5465669-1
Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED KINGDOM reported ORLISTAT problem on Sept 11, 2007. Female patient, 46 years of age, weighting 197.5 lb, was diagnosed with obesity, asthma and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: chest pain, dehydration, heat stroke. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with BECOTIDE, IRON, VITAMIN B. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5468600-8
ORLISTAT problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED KINGDOM on Sept 14, 2007. Female patient, 76 years of age, weighting 224.0 lb, was diagnosed with obesity, hypertension, gout, thrombosis prophylaxis and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: deep vein thrombosis, myocardial infarction, respiratory arrest. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with FUROSEMIDE, ALLOPURINOL, MIXTARD, ASPIRIN. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Orlistat Side Effects Report #5468602-1
Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED KINGDOM reported ORLISTAT problem on Sept 11, 2007. Female patient, 46 years of age, weighting 197.5 lb, was diagnosed with obesity, asthma and was treated with ORLISTAT. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: chest pain, dehydration, heat stroke. ORLISTAT dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with BECOTIDE, IRON, VITAMIN B. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Drug Information: Orlistat
URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a601244.html
(or' li stat)Why is this medication prescribed?
Orlistat (prescription and nonprescription) is used with an individualized low-calorie, low-fat diet and exercise program to help people lose weight . Prescription orlistat is used in overweight people who may also have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or heart disease. Orlistat is also used after weight-loss to help people keep from gaining back that weight. Orlistat is in a class of medications called lipase inhibitors. It works in the intestines by blocking absorption of some of the fat in foods eaten. This unabsorbed fat is then removed in stools from the body.
How should this medicine be used?
Orlistat comes as a capsule and a nonprescription capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken three times a day with each main meal that contains fat. Take orlistat during a meal or up to 1 hour after a meal. If a meal is missed or does not have fat, you may skip your dose. Follow the directions on your prescription label or the package label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take orlistat exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor or stated on the package.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient if orlistat is prescribed for you. For additional information about the nonprescription product, visit www.My Alli.com.
Other uses for this medicine
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking orlistat,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to orlistat or any other medications.
- talk to your doctor if you are taking medications that suppress the immune system such as cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune). If you are taking cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), take it 2 hours before or 2 hours after orlistat.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants (''blood thinners'') such as warfarin (Coumadin); medications for diabetes, such as glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (DiaBeta, Dynase, Micronase), metformin (Glucophage), and insulin; medications to control blood pressure; medications for thyroid disease; and any other medications for weight loss.
- tell your doctor if you have if you have had an organ transplant or if you have cholestasis (condition in which the flow of bile from the liver is blocked) or malabsorption syndrome (problems absorbing food). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take orlistat.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia, diabetes,kidney stones, pancreatitis (inflammation or swelling of the pancreas), or gallbladder or thyroid disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. Do not take orlistat if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Follow the diet program your doctor has given you. You should evenly divide the amount of daily fat, carbohydrates, and protein you eat over three main meals. If orlistat is taken with a diet high in fat (a diet with more than 30% of the total daily calories from fat), or with one meal very high in fat, it is more likely you will experience side effects from the medication.
Orlistat blocks your body's absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins and beta carotene. Therefore, when you use orlistat you should take a daily multivitamin that contains vitamins A, D, E, K, and beta-carotene. Read the label to find a multivitamin product that contains these vitamins. Take the multivitamin once a day, 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking orlistat, or take the multivitamin at bedtime. Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you might have about taking a multivitamin while you are taking orlistat.
While you are taking orlistat, you should avoid foods that have more than 30% fat. Read the labels on all the foods you buy. When eating meat, poultry (chicken) or fish, eat only 2 or 3 ounces (about the size of a deck of cards) for a serving. Choose lean cuts of meat and remove the skin from poultry. Fill up your meal plate with more grains, fruits, and vegetables. Replace whole-milk products with nonfat or 1% milk and reduced- or low-fat dairy items. Cook with less fat. Use vegetable oil spray when cooking. Salad dressings; many baked items; and prepackaged, processed, and fast foods are usually high in fat. Use the low- or nonfat versions of these foods and/or cut back on serving sizes. When dining out, ask how foods are prepared and request that they be prepared with little or no added fat.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it unless it is more than 1 hour since you ate a main meal. If it is longer than 1 hour since you ate a main meal, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Orlistat may cause side effects. The most common side effect of orlistat is changes in bowel movement (BM) habits. This generally occurs during the first weeks of treatment; however, it may continue throughout your use of orlistat. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- oily spotting on underwear or on clothing
- gas with oily spotting
- urgent need to have a bowel movement
- loose stools
- oily or fatty stools
- increased number of bowel movements
- difficulty controlling bowel movements
- pain or discomfort in the rectum (bottom)
- stomach pain
- irregular menstrual periods
- headache
- anxiety
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- hives
- rash
- itching
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- severe or continuous abdominal pain
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat, moisture (not in the bathroom), and light. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
You should also follow a program of regular physical activity or exercise while you are taking orlistat. However, before you start any new activity or exercise program, talk with your doctor or health care professional.
Do not let anyone else take your prescription medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
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