Orlistat resistance management

Orlistat 120 mg was approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998 and 1999 respectively, and its 60 mg (Alli) over-the-counter version is sold in the United States and Europe. Orlistat, the longest approved weight loss drug for long-term use, is indicated for individuals ≥12 years of age and should be taken with or up to 1 hour after a meal.

Orlistat is generally well tolerated; however, patients may experience steatorrhea, frequent bowel movements, flatus, and fecal incontinence due to unabsorbed fat in the intestine. The gastrointestinal side effects of orlistat can be reduced by co-prescribing a fiber-containing supplement such as psyllium. Because orlistat blocks the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, long-term use of vitamin A, D, E, and K supplements should be considered. If a patient finds that orlistat is no longer effective during use, it is best to consult a doctor immediately. In addition to orlistat, your doctor may recommend a combination of treatments, which may include dietary modifications, an exercise program, and behavioral changes. A combination of treatments can provide more comprehensive weight loss results and reduce reliance on a single medication.

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.