Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

This medicine comes with a patient information insert. Read and follow the instructions in the insert carefully. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions.

Orlistat prevents the absorption of some of the fat you eat. You should take it with liquids during the meal or up to 1 hour after eating. If you occasionally miss a meal or eat a meal that contains no fat, you should skip the dose of orlistat.

Because orlistat may decrease the amount of some vitamins that your body absorbs from food, you will need to take a multivitamin supplement once a day. Take the vitamin supplement at least 2 hours before or after taking orlistat. You may also take your multivitamin supplement at bedtime.

When using orlistat, your diet should contain no more than 30% of calories as fat. More fat in your diet will increase the side effects of this medicine. Your diet should be nutritionally balanced, and your daily intake of fat, carbohydrates, and protein should be distributed over three main meals.

Carefully follow your doctor's instructions for a reduced-calorie diet plan and regular exercise. Talk with your doctor before starting any exercise program.

If you are taking cyclosporine, take it at least 3 hours before or after taking this medicine. Levothyroxine should be taken 4 hours before or after taking orlistat.

Take a multivitamin supplement that contains vitamins A, D, E, and K with beta carotene at least 2 hours before or after taking this medicine. Orlistat keeps your body from absorbing some of the vitamins from food.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (capsules):
    • For treatment of obesity:
      • Adults and teenagers—120 milligrams (mg) 3 times a day with meals containing fat.
      • Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

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