Orlistat Teva (Orlistat)

• Orlistat is indicated for conditions related to excess body weight and works as part of a comprehensive weight‑management program.
• Obesity: assists in achieving clinically significant weight loss when combined with a calorie‑restricted, low‑fat diet.
• Overweight with risk factors: helps reduce body weight and improve associated metabolic parameters.
• Weight management in adults: supports long‑term weight control as an adjunct to diet and exercise.
• Metabolic syndrome: contributes to weight reduction which may improve insulin sensitivity.

• Orlistat inhibits gastric and pancreatic lipases, the enzymes responsible for hydrolyzing dietary triglycerides into absorbable free fatty acids and monoglycerides. By blocking these lipases, approximately 30% of ingested fat is not broken down and is eliminated in the feces, leading to a reduction in overall caloric intake and facilitating weight loss when combined with dietary restriction.

Orlistat may cause gastrointestinal and other adverse reactions, which are categorized by frequency.

Common Side Effects

• Oily spotting on undergarments after meals.
• Increased flatulence with oily discharge.
• Abdominal cramping or pain.
• Fecal urgency or incontinence.
• Increased number of bowel movements.
• Oily or greasy stools.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis.
• Acute liver injury, including hepatitis.
• Pancreatitis.
• Fat‑soluble vitamin deficiencies with prolonged use.
• Rare cases of kidney stones.

• Before initiating therapy, several safety considerations should be reviewed.
• Assess BMI: confirm the patient meets the BMI criteria for treatment.
• Monitor vitamin levels: supplement vitamins A, D, E and K as needed due to reduced fat absorption.
• Limit dietary fat: advise patients to keep fat intake below 30% of total calories.
• Contraindicated in chronic malabsorption syndromes: avoid use in patients with such conditions.
• Pregnancy and lactation: only use if the potential benefit outweighs the risk.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25°C, retain in the original packaging and protect from moisture.

Orlistat can affect the absorption of several concomitant medications.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Cyclosporine: reduced systemic exposure may compromise immunosuppression.
• Levothyroxine: decreased absorption can lead to sub‑therapeutic thyroid levels.
• Warfarin: altered vitamin K absorption may increase INR and bleeding risk.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Oral contraceptives: efficacy may be reduced; advise backup contraception.
• Fat‑soluble vitamin supplements: absorption may be impaired, consider timing.
• Antidiabetic agents: monitor glucose as weight loss can affect glycemic control.