Orlistat Medications

Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor that reduces intestinal absorption of dietary fats, used as an adjunct in weight loss programs for obesity.

Orlistat

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60 | 120mg

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Orlistat Compound Information

Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor used to treat obesity by reducing dietary fat absorption. It belongs to the class of gastrointestinal lipase inhibitors and works locally in the intestines without entering systemic circulation in significant amounts. The drug is marketed under brand names such as Xenical (prescription strength) and Alli (lower-dose over-the-counter formulation). Both branded and generic versions are widely available, and many adults turn to Orlistat when diet and exercise alone have not produced sufficient weight loss. While its primary indication is weight management in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet, clinical investigations have also explored its role in improving metabolic parameters and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Off-label, some clinicians have considered Orlistat for patients with hyperlipidaemia or as an adjunct in bariatric-pre-operative protocols, though these uses are not formally approved.

What is Orlistat?

Orlistat is a reversible inhibitor of gastric and pancreatic lipases, the enzymes that hydrolyse dietary triglycerides into absorbable free fatty acids and monoglycerides. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Orlistat in 1999 for the treatment of obesity, and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) followed with a similar indication. In Singapore, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) classifies the 60 mg dose (marketed as Alli) as an over-the-counter product, while the 120 mg dose (Xenical) remains prescription-only. By blocking roughly 30 % of dietary fat digestion, Orlistat reduces caloric intake without affecting carbohydrate or protein absorption. The medication is supplied as immediate-release tablets, and both generic and branded options can be purchased through our online pharmacy, ensuring easy access for adults seeking weight-management support.

How Orlistat Works

Mechanism of Action

Orlistat binds covalently but reversibly to the active site of pancreatic lipase, forming a stable enzyme-inhibitor complex. This interaction prevents the enzyme from hydrolysing triglycerides, leaving the majority of fat molecules intact. Because the compound is minimally absorbed (<0.5 % of the dose), its action remains confined to the gastrointestinal lumen, limiting systemic exposure.

Therapeutic Effects

The inhibition of lipase translates directly into reduced absorption of dietary fats, leading to an approximate 30 % decrease in caloric uptake from meals that contain fat. Over weeks, this caloric deficit facilitates weight loss when combined with a hypocaloric diet. Secondary metabolic benefits include modest reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and improvements in insulin sensitivity, which have been observed in long-term obesity trials.

Onset and Duration

Clinical studies show that the fat-blocking effect begins after the first dose, with measurable reductions in post-prandial fat absorption within hours. Meaningful weight loss typically appears after 4-8 weeks of continuous therapy, provided the patient adheres to a calorie-controlled, low-fat diet. The inhibitory effect persists for the duration of gastrointestinal transit, usually 24 hours after each tablet, and the drug is cleared from the gut within 48 hours.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Chronic weight management in adults with a body-mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m², or BMI ≥ 27 kg/m² with associated risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidaemia, or type 2 diabetes (FDA, EMA, HSA).
Adjunct to lifestyle modification, meaning the medication must be combined with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet and regular physical activity.

Off-Label Uses

Orlistat is occasionally prescribed off-label for:

Improving lipid profiles in patients with mild hypertriglyceridaemia when statins are contraindicated.
Pre-operative weight reduction before bariatric surgery to lower surgical risk. These applications lack formal regulatory endorsement but have been reported in peer-reviewed case series and small trials. Clinicians should discuss the evidence and uncertainties with patients.

Clinical Efficacy

In the pivotal XENDOS trial, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, participants receiving 120 mg Orlistat lost an average of 5.8 % of baseline weight after one year, compared with 3. % in the placebo group. A 4-year extension demonstrated sustained weight loss and a 37 % reduction in the incidence of new-onset type 2 diabetes among the Orlistat cohort. Similar outcomes have been replicated in Asian sub-populations, confirming efficacy across ethnic groups.

Buying Orlistat from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Our online pharmacy bridges the gap between patients and affordable weight-management options, offering discreet delivery across Singapore. By sourcing directly from licensed international distributors, we maintain a steady stock of both brand-name and generic Orlistat, ensuring you never run out during your treatment plan.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Xenical (120 mg, prescription strength) - high-dose, clinically studied formulation.
Alli (60 mg, OTC strength) - lower dose ideal for gradual weight loss.
Generic Orlistat - bioequivalent tablets manufactured under WHO-GMP standards, typically 30 % cheaper than branded equivalents.

Quality & Safety

We work with verified partners that comply with Singapore’s HSA regulations and WHO quality-assurance protocols, guaranteeing that every tablet meets stringent purity and potency criteria.

Pricing & Access

Competitive pricing starts at SGD 15 for a 30-tablet pack of generic Orlistat, while brand-name Xenical is offered at a discounted rate of SGD 55 per 28-tablet bottle. Loyal customers enjoy a lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders, making long-term therapy more affordable.

Discreet Delivery

Orders ship via express service in approximately 7 days or standard service within three weeks. Packages are packed in unmarked, tamper-evident envelopes to protect your privacy.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Orlistat is supplied as immediate-release tablets in strengths of 60 mg (OTC) and 120 mg (prescription). Both doses are taken orally with meals containing fat.

Typical Dosing Ranges

For weight management, the common regimen is one 120 mg tablet taken three times daily with each main meal containing fat, or a 60 mg tablet taken three times daily for milder cases.
Dose adjustments may be considered based on tolerability and the amount of dietary fat consumed, but any change should be guided by a healthcare professional.

Administration Guidelines

Timing: Take Orlistat during or up to one hour after a meal that contains fat; skip the dose if the meal is fat-free.
Food interactions: A low-fat diet (≤30 % of total calories) minimizes gastrointestinal side effects and maximizes efficacy.
Vitamin supplementation: Because Orlistat can impair absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), a multivitamin taken at least two hours before or after the dose is recommended.

The exact dose and schedule must be individualized by a qualified clinician, who will weigh factors such as BMI, comorbidities, and concurrent medications.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Oily spotting or fecal urgency (reported in >10 % of users).
Flatulence with discharge (approximately 5-8 %).
Abdominal cramping or discomfort (4-6 %). These effects are typically transient and correlate with the amount of dietary fat ingested.

Serious Adverse Events

Rarely, users experience severe gastrointestinal irritation, pancreatitis, or acute liver injury. Immediate medical attention is advised if abdominal pain becomes persistent or is accompanied by fever or jaundice.

Contraindications

Chronic malabsorption syndromes (e.g., cystic fibrosis, short-bowel syndrome).
Cholestasis or gallbladder disease.
Pregnancy or lactation - fat-soluble vitamin deficiency poses a risk to fetal development and infant health.

Drug Interactions

CYP450 enzymes: Orlistat does not significantly impact cytochrome pathways, but it can affect the absorption of lipophilic drugs such as cyclosporine and some antiretrovirals.
Warfarin: Reduced vitamin K absorption may potentiate anticoagulant effect; INR monitoring is recommended.
Other weight-loss agents: Concurrent use with other lipase inhibitors or appetite suppressants should be evaluated for additive adverse effects.

Special Populations

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Use is generally avoided; discuss alternative strategies with your provider.
Elderly: Lower gastric motility may increase the risk of constipation; start with the 60 mg dose if clinically appropriate.
Renal or hepatic impairment: No dose adjustment is required, but monitoring for fat-soluble vitamin levels is prudent.

Professional guidance is essential to balance benefits against these risks, especially for patients with co-existing medical conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Orlistat differ from other weight-loss medications? Orlistat acts locally in the gut to block fat absorption, whereas many other agents affect appetite centers in the brain or alter metabolic pathways systemically.
What foods should I avoid while taking Orlistat? Limit high-fat meals (>35 g of fat per meal) to reduce oily spotting and maximize efficacy; focus on lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
How long does Orlistat take to work? The fat-blocking effect starts after the first dose, but noticeable weight loss usually emerges after 4-8 weeks of consistent use combined with a calorie-controlled diet.
Can I take Orlistat with a high-protein diet? Yes, protein absorption is unaffected. However, the diet should still be low in fat to mitigate gastrointestinal side effects.
What should I do if I experience oily spotting? Reduce dietary fat intake at the next meal and consider taking a vitamin supplement to compensate for reduced fat-soluble vitamin absorption.
Is Orlistat safe for long-term use? Long-term studies up to four years have shown sustained weight loss and acceptable safety when patients adhere to vitamin supplementation and a low-fat diet.
How does Orlistat compare to the newer GLP-1 receptor agonists? Orlistat works peripherally without systemic hormonal effects, while GLP-1 agents act centrally to suppress appetite and improve glycaemic control; efficacy and side-effect profiles differ markedly.
Can I buy Orlistat online? Yes, you can purchase both generic and brand-name Orlistat through our online pharmacy, which offers discreet shipping and competitive pricing.
What monitoring is required while on Orlistat? Periodic assessment of weight, BMI, and vitamin A, D, E, K levels is advisable, especially for patients on the 120 mg dose or those with limited dietary fat intake.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing Orlistat?
- Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- History of gastrointestinal, liver, or renal disorders.
- Recent weight trend, BMI, and any metabolic risk factors (e.g., hypertension, diabetes).
- Dietary habits, especially typical fat intake per meal.

Disclaimer

The information provided about Orlistat is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing Orlistat for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing Orlistat.