Know about Orlistat

 

Orlistat is one of the popular prescription weight loss medicines. The medicine can help you by preventing the absorption of fat present in your food.

 

The medicine is normally combined with a reduced-calorie diet and weight management plan for treatment of obesity. It is mainly prescribed to people who are obese and who have some risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol or triglycerides. You can use the medicine for other purposes than those mentioned in the medicine guide.

 

More about orlistat

 

This medicine is not for individual are allergic to orlistat. People with gallbladder problems, or chronic malabsorption syndrome (a problem where the patient cannot absorb food and nutrients properly), should not use this medicine.

 

As Orlistat can create problems if you try to hide some health problems from your doctor, so you should tell your doctor if you have an underactive thyroid, a history of gallstones or pancreatitis, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, an eating disorder, liver disease, or if you are using any other weight-loss medications (prescription or over-the-counter).

 

Never ever allow a child younger than 18 years have over-the-counter orlistat (alli) for any reason. Prescription orlistat (Xenical) is the medicine not meant for anyone between the age 12 to 18 without consulting a doctor. Orlistat should be used by the individual for whom the medicine was prescribed. It should not be shared with anyone else. Someone having a history of eating disorder should never take the medicine.

 

Orlistat is used as a part of the total treatment program for obesity. The other elements that complete the program are diet, exercise, and weight control.

 

Doctor will advise you to spread your daily intake of fat, protein, and carbohydrates over the daily meals you take. It is also very important strictly follow the diet, medication, and exercise routines recommended for you by the doctor.

 

It is very important to avoid a diet high in fat because such diet when combined with orlistat can increase the risk of suffering from some unpleasant side effects on your stomach or intestines.

 

Before taking orlistat

 

Anyone having the following conditions should not use orlistat:

•  chronic malabsorption syndrome (a condition where the patient cannot absorb food and nutrients properly); or

•  Gallbladder problems.

Anyone with the following conditions will need to get an adjusted dose or special tests before using orlistat:

•  an underactive thyroid;

•  a history of gallstones;

•  a history of pancreatitis;

•  liver disease;

•  type 1 or type 2 diabetes;

•  an eating disorder (anorexia or bulimia); or

•  If you are using any other weight-loss medications (prescription or over-the-counter).

FDA pregnancy category B. So, the medicine is supposed not to harm an unborn baby. In case of pregnancy or if you want to get pregnant soon, it is very important to tell your doctor about that. Orlistat may reduce absorption of some necessary vitamins by your body, which may be necessary for nursing a baby. When he was breast-feeding a baby you should use the medicine only with your doctor's advice.