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Orlistat 120mg is a prescription-only medicine (POM) licensed, together with a mildly reduced-calorie diet, for the treatment of obese adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or more, or overweight adults (BMI 28 kg/m² or more) with associated risk factors; at Ways Pharmacy it is supplied only after a pharmacist-led online consultation has confirmed clinical suitability. Pack of 84 hard capsules.
Key facts
| Active ingredient | Orlistat 120mg per hard capsule |
|---|---|
| Format | Hard capsules |
| Licensed use | Treatment of obesity (BMI 30 or more) or overweight with associated risk factors (BMI 28 or more), alongside a mildly reduced-calorie diet |
| Age | Adults aged 18 and over |
| Dose | One 120mg capsule with water immediately before, during or up to one hour after each main meal (up to three a day) |
| Legal classification | POM – Prescription Only Medicine |
| Supply | Only after a pharmacist-led online consultation has confirmed suitability |
| Pack | 84 capsules |
Who it is for
- Adults aged 18 and over with a BMI of 30 or more, or 28 or more with weight-related risk factors, for whom the pharmacist confirms orlistat is clinically suitable.
- People who are committed to a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet, which orlistat is licensed to be used alongside.
Not suitable for: Anyone under 18; anyone who is breastfeeding; people with chronic malabsorption syndrome or cholestasis; anyone allergic to orlistat or any of the other ingredients. Use in pregnancy requires caution and medical advice. The consultation also reviews kidney problems, diabetes, thyroid medicines, anticoagulants, antiepileptics, HIV medicines, ciclosporin and oral contraceptives, because orlistat can affect how these are absorbed.
How to use
- Complete the pharmacist consultation and read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) before starting.
- Take one capsule with water immediately before, during or up to one hour after each main meal.
- If you miss a meal, or the meal contains no fat, skip that dose.
- Follow a mildly reduced-calorie diet that is lower in fat; fat-rich meals increase the chance of oily stools and bowel urgency.
- If a multivitamin is advised, take it at least 2 hours after orlistat or at bedtime.
- Treatment should be stopped after 12 weeks if you have not lost at least 5% of your starting body weight; the pharmacist will review this with you.
Frequently asked questions
Is orlistat 120mg available without a prescription?
No. Orlistat 120mg is a prescription-only medicine. Only the 60mg strength (alli) is a pharmacy medicine. At Ways Pharmacy the 120mg capsules are supplied after a pharmacist-led online consultation has confirmed you are suitable.
How does orlistat work?
It inhibits lipase enzymes in the gut so that roughly a third of the fat you eat is not absorbed and passes out in the stool. It works in the digestive system and is not absorbed into the bloodstream in meaningful amounts.
What side effects are common?
Side effects are mostly gastrointestinal: oily spotting, fatty or oily stools, wind, urgency and more frequent bowel movements, especially after high-fat meals. Headache and upper respiratory infections were also very common in trials.
Can it affect my other medicines?
Yes. Orlistat can reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), levothyroxine, antiepileptic medicines, some HIV medicines and ciclosporin, and it can alter the effect of warfarin. Oral contraceptives may be less reliable if you have severe diarrhoea. Tell the pharmacist everything you take.
How long do I take it for?
The licence states treatment should stop after 12 weeks if you have not lost at least 5% of your starting body weight. Longer use is a clinical decision reviewed with the pharmacist.
Can I take orlistat while pregnant or breastfeeding?
It must not be used while breastfeeding. In pregnancy it should only be considered on medical advice.
Safety and storage
- Prescription-only medicine: use only after your consultation has been approved and only for yourself.
- Seek medical advice if you develop severe or persistent stomach pain, signs of kidney stones, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
- Do not store above 25°C. Keep the blister in the outer carton.
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
- Read the PIL. Report suspected side effects through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
This page provides factual information about a prescription-only medicine and is not an advertisement to the public. Supply requires a pharmacist-led consultation. Always read the PIL.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I improve my results with lifestyle changes while using Orlistat?
Yes—following a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet and increasing physical activity can significantly boost weight loss while using Orlistat. Drinking plenty of water and tracking your food intake also helps. Start Consultation to access a safe, pharmacist-reviewed treatment plan.
What happens after I order Orlistat online?
After you Start Consultation, you’ll complete a short health assessment and select your medication. Our admin team will review your responses to confirm safety and suitability. If your chosen product isn’t ideal, our pharmacist will offer an alternative. Once approved, your order is dispatched, no extra steps required.
How do I take Orlistat for effective weight loss?
Orlistat is usually taken three times a day with meals containing fat. It works best when combined with a healthy, low-fat diet and regular physical activity. Start Consultation, choose and pay for your treatment, and our admin team will ensure it's appropriate before shipping it directly to you.
Who is Orlistat suitable for and what are the risks?
Orlistat is recommended for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 28 with related health risks like high blood pressure. It may not be suitable for people with digestive disorders or those taking certain medications. Start Consultation so our clinical team can assess your suitability—if Orlistat isn’t the best option, a pharmacist will suggest an alternative before processing your order.
What is Orlistat and how does it help with weight loss?
Orlistat is a weight loss medication that works by blocking the absorption of fat in your digestive system. It helps reduce calorie intake and is typically used alongside a low-fat diet and regular exercise. To begin treatment, Start Consultation, select and pay for your medication, and our team will review your order for safety before dispatching it.
Reviewed Date
04 June 2025
Published On
04 June 2025
Last Updated
04 June 2025
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