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The following information outlines important safety considerations and warnings for using this medication. Please carefully review these details and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

• Medication Interactions: Orlistat may alter the effectiveness of other medications and vice versa. Notable interactions include cyclosporine, levothyroxine, warfarin, amiodarone, anti-seizure drugs, and HIV medications. Inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all drugs and supplements you are currently taking to ensure optimal timing and effectiveness.

• Liver Injury: There is a risk of serious liver damage with orlistat. Your healthcare provider will likely conduct liver function tests before initiating treatment. If you have a history of liver issues, more frequent monitoring may be necessary. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice symptoms such as abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes, loss of appetite, or itching.

• Elevated Oxalate Levels: Orlistat may occasionally increase oxalate levels in the urine, potentially leading to kidney stones. Your provider will evaluate your kidney function before and during treatment. Be alert for symptoms like lower back pain, blood in urine, nausea, vomiting, or cloudy, foul-smelling urine and report them to your provider.

• Gallstones: Weight loss associated with orlistat use may increase the risk of gallstones. In clinical studies, approximately 3% of individuals using orlistat for diabetes prevention developed gallstones, compared to 2% who took a placebo.

• Other Causes of Obesity: Before starting orlistat, your provider will assess other potential causes of obesity. Conditions such as hypothyroidism may require treatment with a thyroid medication instead of a weight loss drug.

Contraindications: This medication should not be used under certain conditions as it may pose serious health risks. Consult your healthcare provider if any of the following apply to you:

• For Xenical (orlistat):

  • Currently pregnant
  • Chronic malabsorption syndrome
  • Cholestasis (bile flow issues from the liver)

• For Alli (orlistat):

  • History of organ transplant
  • Use of cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
  • Problems with food absorption
  • Not overweight

Ensure you adhere to these guidelines and seek medical advice as needed to use this medication safely.

When taking this medication, some common side effects may occur, often related to changes in bowel function due to unabsorbed fat. You might experience oily spotting on your underwear, gas with anal discharge, a frequent urge to have a bowel movement, fatty or oily stools, increased bowel movements, and difficulty controlling them. These effects are generally mild but can become more pronounced if your fat intake is higher than recommended. If these symptoms persist or worsen, consult your healthcare provider for advice.

Although less common, other side effects such as loose stools and more frequent, hard-to-control stools have been noted. If you encounter these, especially if they intensify, it's advisable to reach out to your healthcare provider.

There are also rare but serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include symptoms indicative of liver disease, such as persistent nausea or vomiting, severe stomach or abdominal pain, dark urine, and yellowing of the eyes or skin. Kidney stones might present with back pain, pain when urinating, or pink/bloody urine. Additionally, serious allergic reactions, while uncommon, can occur, marked by rash, itching, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing. If you experience any of these, seek urgent medical care.

Remember, this is not an exhaustive list of side effects. If you notice any other unusual symptoms, contact your healthcare professional.

Orlistat may interact with a variety of medications, and it is important to discuss all drugs and supplements you are taking with your healthcare provider. Orlistat can affect the effectiveness of "blood thinners" like Warfarin and certain HIV medications such as Atazanavir, Efavirenz, emtricitabine, lopinavir, and tenofovir. Additionally, orlistat may influence the performance of seizure medications, potentially leading to more frequent or severe seizures. If you experience worsening seizures, discontinue orlistat and consult your doctor immediately.

Other medications that may interact with orlistat include Ritonavir, triheptanoin, and a range of anticoagulants and antiepileptic drugs like Carbamazepine, Clonazepam, Phenytoin, and Valproic Acid. While some interactions may increase the risk of side effects, your doctor might determine that using both medications is necessary and could adjust the dosages accordingly. Always keep your doctor and pharmacist informed about all medications and supplements you use.