Orlistat

Question 1

indication

Answer 1

weight loss

Question 2

dose

Answer 2

60mg capsule 1 TDS immediately before/ during/1hr after food

No meal = no dose

Question 3

licencing for orlistat

Answer 3

• 18yrs+
• Overweight or obese
• BMI >28

Question 4

What needs to be chacked at each supply?

Answer 4

BMI

Question 5

Tx duration

Answer 5

max 6 months Tx

Question 6

c/i or referrals for Orlistat

Answer 6

• under 18yrs
• BMI < 28
• pregnant/bf
• No weight loss after 12 weeks of Tx
• Kidney disease
• Malabsorption
• Cholestasis
• Rectal bleeding when taking

meds:
- Diabetes
- Thyroid
- Hypertension
- Epilepsy
- Cholesterol
- Kidney disease
- Anticoagulants
- Warfarin
- Ciclosporin

Question 7

s/e of Orlistat

Answer 7

• Leakage
• Flatulence
• Diarrhoea
• Urgency
• Fatty oil stools (less likely if eat low fat diet)

Question 8

counselling for Orlistat

Answer 8

• should be in conjunction with low fat diet to aid weight loss and minimise GI s/e
• need to take multivitamins at bedtime, ADEK are fat soluble vitamins
• if on contraception, barrier if persistent diarrhoea
• not a quick fix
• healthy diet and exercise still needed
• realistic weight loss 0.5-1kg/week
• s/e

Question 9

How does Orlistat work?

Answer 9

blocks absprotion of 25% of dietary fat