Does Orlistat have any effect on the fetus?

Orlistat (Orlistat) is an oral gastric and pancreatic lipase inhibitor that reduces the absorption of dietary fat. It is used in conjunction with dietary measures to promote weight loss in overweight (body mass index ≥25) adults. Systemic absorption of orlistat is expected to be negligible. Limited data on the use of orlistat during pregnancy do not suggest an increased risk of fetal congenital malformations or miscarriage, but are too limited to exclude such risks.

Because orlistat may impair the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), there is a theoretical concern that use of orlistat during pregnancy may limit the fetus' availability of nutrients. Routine use during pregnancy is not recommended as the available fetal safety data are too limited to provide reliable evidence-based recommendations regarding use during pregnancy. Maternal obesity is associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations and adverse maternal and fetal outcomes; therefore, weight loss is recommended first. Pregnant women with a body mass index >30 should be advised to take a 5 mg folic acid supplement one month before conception and until the end of the first trimester. It is not recommended to diet or use weight loss products during pregnancy.

The original drug of Orlistat has been marketed in China, but it has not yet entered the scope of medical insurance. There are also domestically produced drugs developed by other pharmaceutical companies on the market. The price of each box may be around tens of RMB, which is cheap. The price of the Indian version of Orlistat listed overseas is 120mg*84 capsules per box, which may be around a few hundred yuan (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates). The ingredients of the two drugs are basically the same, but the manufacturers are different, and patients can choose by themselves.