MedicinePOM

Orlistat

Orlistat is a weight-loss capsule that reduces the fat your body absorbs from food.

Clinical information

Common uses

treating obesity alongside diet and exercise

Common side effects

fatty or oily poo
needing to poo urgently or more often
wind with or without oily spotting
stomach pain
diarrhoea

Cautions

stop after 3 months if under 5% weight loss
not suitable with cholestasis or chronic kidney disease
severe diarrhoea can stop contraceptive pills working
avoid very high-fat meals — worsens side effects

Interactions

warfarin (blood thinner)
amiodarone (heart rhythm medicine)
HIV medicines
medicines for depression or anxiety
levothyroxine (thyroid medicine)

Pregnancy: not used in pregnancy

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: NHS Medicines A–Z, nhs.uk/medicines/orlistat (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations2

Brand name	Dosage form	Strength	Importer	Category
Orlistat	Capsule	120 mg	—	POM
Xenical	Capsule	120 mg	authorized medicine importers	POM