What are the side effects of Orlistat?

Orlistat (Orlistat) is a reversible inhibitor of gastrointestinal lipase indicated for weight loss and weight maintenance, including weight loss and weight maintenance when used in combination with calorie reduction in overweight and obese adults. The most common adverse reactions are flu, low blood sugar, headache, upper respiratory tract infection (cold), rectal greasy spots, abdominal (stomach) pain or discomfort, gas (bloating), stool urgency (urgent need to have a bowel movement), fatty or oily stools, gas, liquid stools, oily (stool) passing, and increased bowel movements.

The first occurrence of adverse reactions with orlistat usually occurs within 3 months of starting treatment. Approximately 50% of gastrointestinal adverse events related to orlistat treatment last less than 1 week, and most last less than 4 weeks. The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-marketing use of orlistat. Reports of liver failure, acute oxalate nephropathy, pancreatitis, lower gastrointestinal bleeding, some of which resulted in liver transplantation or death, and rare cases of anaphylaxis with signs and symptoms including pruritus, rash, urticaria, angioedema, bronchospasm, and anaphylaxis have been observed. Very rare cases of bullous rash have been reported.

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.