This second section of our medication database entry focuses on potential side effects, withdrawal or discontinuation effects, and additional information, while part one covers basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits.
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What are the possible side effects of orlistat?
- Stop taking orlistat and seek emergency medical attention if you experience a rare allergic reaction including shortness of breath; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.
- Other, less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Continue to take orlistat and talk to your doctor if you experience
- oily spotting,
- gas with discharge,
- an urgent need to go to the bathroom,
- oily or fatty stools,
- an oily discharge,
- an increased number of bowel movements,
- an inability to control bowel movements, or
- orange or brown colored oil in your stool.
- The bowel changes listed above are a natural effect of blocking fat and indicate that orlistat is working. They generally occur early in treatment, particularly after meals containing higher amounts of fat than are recommended. These symptoms are usually temporary and lessen or disappear as you continue treatment and keep to your recommended diet of meals containing 30% fat.
- Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect orlistat?
- Do not take orlistat without first talking to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), or
- warfarin (Coumadin).
- You may not be able to take orlistat, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
- Before taking orlistat, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines to lower cholesterol:
- atorvastatin (Lipitor),
- cerivastatin (Baycol),
- fluvastatin (Lescol),
- lovastatin (Mevacor),
- pravastatin (Pravachol), or
- simvastatin (Zocor).
- You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the cholesterol-lowering medicines listed above.
- Orlistat may decrease your body's absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins. To ensure adequate nutrition, your doctor may recommend taking a multivitamin that contains vitamins D, E, K, and beta-carotene. Take your vitamin supplement once a day, at least 2 hours before or after a dose of orlistat.
- Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with orlistat. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking or using any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist has more information about orlistat written for health professionals that you may read.
- Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Limitations and the Source of Our Online Medication Information Database
Although we have made considerable efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, MedLibrary.org makes no guarantee to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This medication information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend any specific pharmacotherapy. This is an educational resource only -- intended to supplement but not to replace the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of medically qualified healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, please check with your doctor, nurse or local pharmacist. MedLibrary.org does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided here.
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Version: 2.04. Revision Date: 2/14/03.