Orligal 120 mg

• Reduces the absorption of fat from meals

• Supports gradual and controlled weight reduction

• Helps improve the results of diet and exercise

• Supports long-term weight-management plans

• Helps reduce the likelihood of regaining lost weight

• Does not rely on suppressing appetite

• Can support improvements in weight-related health markers

Successful weight loss can also support healthier blood glucose, cholesterol and blood-pressure control in suitable patients. Individual results depend on diet, physical activity, medical conditions and continued adherence to treatment.

Food contains fat in the form of triglycerides. Before the body can absorb this fat, digestive enzymes called gastric and pancreatic lipases must break it into smaller parts.

Orlistat attaches to these enzymes and stops them from working on some of the fat in a meal. Because that fat cannot be broken down properly, it is not absorbed and passes out of the body in the stool.

When taken at the recommended dose with main meals, orlistat prevents the absorption of approximately 30% of dietary fat. Its activity remains mainly inside the stomach and small intestine rather than producing a general appetite-suppressing effect throughout the body.

The usual adult dosage is one Orligal 120 mg capsule with each main meal containing fat, up to a maximum of three capsules in 24 hours. Take the capsule immediately before the meal, during the meal or no later than one hour after finishing it.

Swallow the capsule whole with water. If a main meal is missed or contains no fat, skip that dose. Do not take an additional capsule to replace a skipped dose, and do not take more than three capsules in one day.

Daily fat intake should be divided across the three main meals. Eating a meal that is very high in fat increases the likelihood of oily stools, urgency and other digestive effects. A multivitamin containing vitamins A, D, E and K can be taken at bedtime or at least two hours after Orligal.

Treatment response is normally reviewed after 12 weeks. If at least 5% of the starting body weight has not been lost, the prescriber will reassess whether treatment should continue. Taking more than 120 mg three times daily has not been shown to provide additional benefit.

Common Side Effects: Orligal commonly causes digestive effects because unabsorbed fat passes through the bowel. These can include oily or fatty stools, oily spotting, gas with discharge, loose stools, abdominal discomfort, frequent bowel movements and an urgent need to use the toilet. These effects are often most noticeable at the beginning of treatment and after meals containing a large amount of fat. Following the recommended lower-fat diet helps make them easier to manage.

Serious Side Effects: Stop taking the medicine and seek medical assistance for facial or throat swelling, breathing difficulty or another severe allergic reaction. Medical attention is also required for persistent rectal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, intense upper abdominal pain spreading to the back, reduced urination or severe pain in the side or lower back. These symptoms can indicate uncommon but serious problems involving the liver, pancreas, kidneys or digestive system.

Do not take Orligal 120 mg when any of the following applies:

• Allergy to orlistat

• Chronic malabsorption syndrome

• Cholestasis or blocked bile flow

• Pregnancy

• Planning to become pregnant

• Breastfeeding

• Children without specialist approval

People with kidney disease, kidney stones, liver problems, diabetes, thyroid disorders or seizure conditions require a medical review before starting treatment.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines, vitamins and supplements you use.

Important interactions include:

• Cyclosporine

• Warfarin and other anticoagulants

• Levothyroxine

• Amiodarone

• Acarbose

• Anti-seizure medicines

• HIV antiretroviral medicines

• Diabetes medicines

• Vitamins A, D, E and K

Orlistat can reduce the absorption or change the effect of certain medicines. Separate doses only according to professional instructions rather than choosing the timing yourself.

Severe diarrhoea can reduce the reliability of oral contraceptive pills. Use an additional contraceptive method and seek professional advice if severe diarrhoea develops.

• Store below 30°C.

• Keep the capsules in their original packaging.

• Protect them from heat, moisture and direct sunlight.

• Do not store them in a bathroom or near a kitchen sink.

• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

• Do not use damaged or discoloured capsules.

• Do not use the medicine after its expiry date.

• Ask a pharmacist how to dispose of unused capsules safely.