Orlistat

NHS information about the medicine orlistat, including what it's used for, who can take it, how to take it and side effects.

What orlistat is for

Orlistat treats obesity by helping you lose weight when you combine it with exercise and changes to your diet.

It works by reducing how much fat is absorbed into your body. A third of the fat from your food is passed out in your poo.

You’ll only be prescribed orlistat if you have either:

If you're not eligible for NHS treatment, you may be able to buy orlistat privately.

If you decide to get orlistat privately, it's important to buy it from a registered pharmacy. There are some websites that sell fake weight loss medicines.

How to take orlistat

Orlistat comes as capsules that you take 3 times a day with a meal. Swallow the capsules with water.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or you have any problems using it.

You need to take orlistat:

You can choose the option that suits you best, but try to take your medicine the same way every mealtime.

If you miss a meal, or your meal does not have fat in it, do not take a capsule.

Side effects of orlistat

Like all medicines, orlistat can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of orlistat include:

You're less likely to get these side effects if you stick to a balanced diet and avoid meals that are very high in fat.

More about side effects

These are not all the side effects of orlistat.

For a full list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine or search for your medicine on the electronic medicines compendium website.

You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website

Who can and cannot take orlistat

Most adults can take orlistat.

Orlistat is not suitable for some people. For example, it may not be suitable if:

Before taking orlistat, tell your doctor or a pharmacist if you have any medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and orlistat

Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding.

Orlistat is not usually used while breastfeeding as it's not known if the medicine passes into breast milk.

Pregnancy and orlistat

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or become pregnant while using orlistat.

Orlistat is not used during pregnancy as there's not enough information to say it's safe for your baby.

Taking orlistat with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, herbal remedies and supplements that may not mix well with orlistat.

These include:

Before you take orlistat, tell your doctor or a pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

If you bought orlistat without a prescription, check the packet or leaflet that comes with the medicine to see if it's suitable for you. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure if you can take it.

Orlistat and contraception

If you're taking orlistat and the combined pill and you have severe diarrhoea, or diarrhoea that lasts for more than 24 hours, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Use an additional barrier contraception, such as condoms, a diaphragm or cap.

Food, drink and alcohol with orlistat

You'll need to eat a healthy, calorie-controlled diet while taking orlistat, with plenty of fruit and vegetables.

You'll also need to eat some fat when taking orlistat, but avoid high fat foods like processed or fatty meats, fried food, biscuits and cakes.

Find out more about eating a healthy, balanced diet

Find out more about your medicine

To find out more about your medicine, you can: