On this page

orlistat

Prescription NDA RLD Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
ORLISTAT
Generic name
orlistat
Dosage form
Capsule
Route
—
Marketing category
DRUG FOR FURTHER PROCESSING · BULK API
Labeler
Catalent Pharma Solutions, LLC
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
2
NDC product codes
3
Packages
6
Data completeness
76% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Orlistat 120 mg/1 692876 View
Orlistat 60 mg/1 692876 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Capsule
Route of administration
—
Presentations
9

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Intestinal Lipase Inhibitor [EPC] EPC 2 members — no class page
Lipase Inhibitors [MoA] MoA 2 members — no class page

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
020766
Application type
NDA · New Drug Application
Approval date
April 23, 1999
Sponsor
CHEPLAPHARM
Products on application
1
Submissions recorded
29
Products approved under application 020766.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
020766-001 XENICAL CAPSULE ORLISTAT Prescription — RLD RS

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
—
Reference Listed Drug
Yes
Reference Standard
Yes

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 020766.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 38 Labeling Approved November 17, 2022 Standard
Supplement 36 Labeling Approved August 12, 2016 Standard
Supplement 35 Labeling Approved August 7, 2015 Standard
Supplement 34 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved April 30, 2014 Priority
Supplement 33 Labeling Approved October 16, 2013 Standard
Supplement 31 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved April 5, 2013 Priority
Supplement 32 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved April 2, 2013 Priority
Supplement 29 Labeling Approved January 20, 2012 Unknown
Supplement 30 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved December 17, 2010 Priority
Supplement 28 Labeling Approved May 25, 2010 Unknown
Supplement 26 Labeling Approved February 11, 2009 Standard
Supplement 22 Labeling Approved January 5, 2007 Standard
Supplement 21 Labeling Approved September 2, 2005 Standard
Supplement 19 Efficacy Approved October 22, 2004 Standard
Supplement 20 Labeling Approved July 9, 2004 Standard
Supplement 18 Efficacy Approved December 12, 2003 Priority
Supplement 13 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved March 8, 2002 Priority
Supplement 14 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved February 27, 2002 Priority
Supplement 12 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved February 21, 2002 Priority
Supplement 11 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved December 19, 2001 Priority
Supplement 10 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved December 19, 2001 Priority
Supplement 9 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved November 12, 2001 Priority
Supplement 7 Labeling Approved June 25, 2001 Standard
Supplement 6 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved January 29, 2001 Priority
Supplement 5 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved January 9, 2001 Priority
Supplement 4 Labeling Approved April 6, 2000 Standard
Supplement 3 Labeling Approved April 6, 2000 Standard
Supplement 1 Labeling Approved August 31, 1999 Standard
Original application 1 Type 1 - New Molecular Entity Approved April 23, 1999 Priority

Review documents

  • 0 · Supplement · November 18, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · November 18, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · August 15, 2016
  • 0 · Supplement · August 11, 2015
  • 0 · Supplement · August 10, 2015
  • 0 · Supplement · October 18, 2013
  • 0 · Supplement · October 18, 2013
  • 0 · Supplement · January 25, 2012
  • 0 · Supplement · January 24, 2012
  • 0 · Supplement · December 22, 2010
  • 0 · Supplement · December 22, 2010
  • 0 · Supplement · May 25, 2010
  • 0 · Supplement · May 25, 2010
  • 0 · Supplement · February 18, 2009
  • 0 · Supplement · February 12, 2009
  • 0 · Supplement · July 6, 2007
  • 0 · Supplement · July 6, 2007
  • 0 · Supplement · July 6, 2007
  • 0 · Supplement · July 6, 2007
  • 0 · Supplement · July 6, 2007
  • 0 · Supplement · January 12, 2007
  • 0 · Supplement · January 8, 2007
  • 0 · Supplement · September 8, 2005
  • 0 · Supplement · September 8, 2005
  • 0 · Supplement · November 1, 2004
  • 0 · Supplement · October 29, 2004
  • 0 · Supplement · July 14, 2004
  • 0 · Supplement · July 14, 2004
  • 0 · Supplement · December 29, 2003
  • 0 · Supplement · December 19, 2003

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260109). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20260109

Recent Major Changes

openFDA Drug Labeling

Warnings and Precautions, Oxalate Nephrolithiasis and Oxalate Nephropathy with Renal Failure ( 5.3 ) 11/2022

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ORLISTAT is indicated for obesity management including weight loss and weight maintenance when used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet. ORLISTAT is also indicated to reduce the risk for weight regain after prior weight loss. ORLISTAT is indicated for obese patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m 2 or ≥27 kg/m 2 in the presence of other risk factors (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia). Table 1 illustrates body mass index (BMI) according to a variety of weights and heights. The BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. For example, a person who weighs 180 lbs and is 5 ' 5 " would have a BMI of 30. Table 1 Body Mass Index (BMI), kg/m 2 Conversion Factors: Weight in lbs ÷ 2.2 = weight in kilograms (kg) Height in inches × 0.0254 = height in meters (m) 1 foot = 12 inches ORLISTAT is a reversible inhibitor of gastrointestinal lipases indicated for obesity management including weight loss and weight maintenance when used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet. ( 1 ) ORLISTAT is also indicated to reduce the risk for weight regain after prior weight loss. ( 1 ) Table 1

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION One 120-mg capsule three times a day with each main meal containing fat (during or up to 1 hour after the meal). ( 2 ) Advise patients to take a nutritionally balanced, reduced-calorie diet that contains approximately 30% of calories from fat. ( 2 ) Distribute the daily intake of fat, carbohydrate, and protein over three main meals. ( 2 ) Advise patients to take a multivitamin containing fat-soluble vitamins to ensure adequate nutrition. ( 2 ) Take the vitamin supplement at least 2 hours before or after the administration of ORLISTAT, such as at bedtime. ( 2 ) For patients receiving both ORLISTAT and cyclosporine therapy, administer cyclosporine 3 hours after ORLISTAT. ( 2 ) For patients receiving both ORLISTAT and levothyroxine therapy, administer levothyroxine and ORLISTAT at least 4 hours apart. ( 2 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosing The recommended dose of ORLISTAT is one 120-mg capsule three times a day with each main meal containing fat (during or up to 1 hour after the meal). The patient should be on a nutritionally balanced, reduced-calorie diet that contains approximately 30% of calories from fat. The daily intake of fat, carbohydrate, and protein should be distributed over three main meals. If a meal is occasionally missed or contains no fat, the dose of ORLISTAT can be omitted. Because ORLISTAT has been shown to reduce the absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins and beta-carotene, patients should be counseled to take a multivitamin containing fat-soluble vitamins to ensure adequate nutrition [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . The vitamin supplement should be taken at least 2 hours before or after the administration of ORLISTAT, such as at bedtime. For patients receiving both ORLISTAT and cyclosporine therapy, administer cyclosporine 3 hours after ORLISTAT. For patients receiving both ORLISTAT and levothyroxine therapy, administer levothyroxine and ORLISTAT at least 4 hours apart. Patients treated concomitantly with ORLISTAT and levothyroxine should be monitored for changes in thyroid function. Doses above 120 mg three times a day have not been shown to provide additional benefit. Based on fecal fat measurements, the effect of ORLISTAT is seen as soon as 24 to 48 hours after dosing. Upon discontinuation of therapy, fecal fat content usually returns to pretreatment levels within 48 to 72 hours.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS ORLISTAT 120 mg turquoise capsules imprinted with XENICAL 120 in black ink. Capsules: 120 mg. ( 3 )

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS ORLISTAT is contraindicated in: Pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] Patients with chronic malabsorption syndrome Patients with cholestasis Patients with known hypersensitivity to ORLISTAT or to any component of this product Pregnancy ( 4 , 8.1 ) Chronic malabsorption syndrome ( 4 ) Cholestasis ( 4 ) Known hypersensitivity to ORLISTAT or to any component of this product ( 4 )

Warnings and Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ORLISTAT has drug interactions and can decrease vitamin absorption. ( 5.1 , 7 ) Take a multivitamin supplement that contains fat-soluble vitamins to ensure adequate nutrition. ( 5.1 ) Rare cases of severe liver injury with hepatocellular necrosis or acute hepatic failure have been reported. ( 5.2 ) Patients may develop oxalate nephrolithiasis and oxalate nephropathy following treatment with ORLISTAT. Monitor renal function in patients at risk for renal insufficiency. Discontinue ORLISTAT if oxalate nephropathy develops. ( 5.3 ) Substantial weight loss can increase the risk of cholelithiasis. ( 5.4 ) Exclude organic causes of obesity (eg, hypothyroidism) before prescribing ORLISTAT. ( 5.5 ) Gastrointestinal events may increase when ORLISTAT is taken with a diet high in fat (>30% total daily calories from fat). ( 5.5 ) 5.1 Drug Interactions and Decreased Vitamin Absorption ORLISTAT may interact with concomitant drugs including cyclosporine, levothyroxine, warfarin, amiodarone, antiepileptic drugs, and antiretroviral drugs [see Drug Interactions (7) ]. Data from a ORLISTAT and cyclosporine drug interaction study indicate a reduction in cyclosporine plasma levels when ORLISTAT was coadministered with cyclosporine. Therefore, ORLISTAT and cyclosporine should not be simultaneously coadministered. To reduce the chance of a drug-drug interaction, cyclosporine should be taken at least 3 hours before or after ORLISTAT in patients taking both drugs. In addition, in those patients whose cyclosporine levels are being measured, more frequent monitoring should be considered. Patients should be strongly encouraged to take a multivitamin supplement that contains fat-soluble vitamins to ensure adequate nutrition because ORLISTAT has been shown to reduce the absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins and beta-carotene [see Dosage and Administration (2) , and Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . In addition, the levels of vitamin D and beta-carotene may be low in obese patients compared with non-obese subjects. The supplement should be taken once a day at least 2 hours before or after the administration of ORLISTAT, such as at bedtime. Weight-loss may affect glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus. A reduction in dose of oral hypoglycemic medication (e.g., sulfonylureas) or insulin may be required in some patients [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . 5.2 Liver Injury There have been rare postmarketing reports of severe liver injury with hepatocellular necrosis or acute hepatic failure in patients treated with ORLISTAT, with some of these cases resulting in liver transplant or death. Patients should be instructed to report any symptoms of hepatic dysfunction (anorexia, pruritus, jaundice, dark urine, light-colored stools, or right upper quadrant pain) while taking ORLISTAT. When these symptoms occur, ORLISTAT and other suspect medications should be discontinued immediately and liver function tests and ALT and AST levels obtained. 5.3 Oxalate Nephrolithiasis and Oxalate Nephropathy with Renal Failure Some patients may develop increased levels of urinary oxalate following treatment with ORLISTAT. Cases of oxalate nephrolithiasis and oxalate nephropathy with renal failure have been reported. Monitor renal function when prescribing ORLISTAT to patients at increased risk for oxalate nephropathy, including patients with renal impairment and in those with a history of hyperoxaluria or calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis. Discontinue ORLISTAT in patients who develop oxalate nephropathy. 5.4 Cholelithiasis Substantial weight loss can increase the risk of cholelithiasis. In a clinical trial of ORLISTAT for the prevention of type 2 diabetes, the rates of cholelithiasis as an adverse event were 2.9% (47/1649) for patients randomized to ORLISTAT and 1.8% (30/1655) for patients randomized to placebo. 5.5 Miscellaneous Organic causes of obesity (e.g., hypothyroidism) should be excluded before prescribing ORLISTAT. Patients should be advised to a …

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common treatment emergent adverse reactions (≥5% and at least twice that of placebo) include oily spotting, flatus with discharge, fecal urgency, fatty/oily stool, oily evacuation, increased defecation and fecal incontinence. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact the Safety Call Center at 1-877-778-8969 or FDA at 1‐800‐FDA‐1088 (1-800-332-1088) or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in patients. Commonly Observed (based on first year and second year data) Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms were the most commonly observed treatment-emergent adverse events associated with the use of ORLISTAT in the seven double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials and are primarily a manifestation of the mechanism of action. (Commonly observed is defined as an incidence of ≥5% and an incidence in the ORLISTAT 120 mg group that is at least twice that of placebo.) Table 2 Commonly Observed Adverse Events Adverse Event Year 1 Year 2 Orlistat Treatment designates ORLISTAT three times a day plus diet or placebo plus diet % Patients (N=1913) Placebo % Patients (N=1466) Orlistat % Patients (N=613) Placebo % Patients (N=524) Oily Spotting Oily discharge may be clear or have a coloration such as orange or brown. 26.6 1.3 4.4 0.2 Flatus with Discharge 23.9 1.4 2.1 0.2 Fecal Urgency 22.1 6.7 2.8 1.7 Fatty/Oily Stool 20.0 2.9 5.5 0.6 Oily Evacuation 11.9 0.8 2.3 0.2 Increased Defecation 10.8 4.1 2.6 0.8 Fecal Incontinence 7.7 0.9 1.8 0.2 In general, the first occurrence of these events was within 3 months of starting therapy. Overall, approximately 50% of all episodes of GI adverse events associated with ORLISTAT treatment lasted for less than 1 week, and a majority lasted for no more than 4 weeks. However, GI adverse events may occur in some individuals over a period of 6 months or longer. Discontinuation of Treatment In controlled clinical trials, 8.8% of patients treated with ORLISTAT discontinued treatment due to adverse events, compared with 5.0% of placebo-treated patients. For ORLISTAT, the most common adverse events resulting in discontinuation of treatment were gastrointestinal. Other Adverse Clinical Events The following table lists other treatment-emergent adverse events from seven multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials that occurred at a frequency of ≥2% among patients treated with ORLISTAT 120 mg three times a day and with an incidence that was greater than placebo during year 1 and year 2, regardless of relationship to study medication. Table 3 Other Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events From Seven Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials Body System/Adverse Event Year 1 Year 2 Orlistat Treatment designates ORLISTAT 120 mg three times a day plus diet or placebo plus diet % Patients (N=1913) Placebo % Patients (N=1466) Orlistat % Patients (N=613) Placebo % Patients (N=524) – None reported at a frequency ≥2% and greater than placebo Gastrointestinal System Abdominal Pain/Discomfort 25.5 21.4 – – Nausea 8.1 7.3 3.6 2.7 Infectious Diarrhea 5.3 4.4 – – Rectal Pain/Discomfort 5.2 4.0 3.3 1.9 Tooth Disorder 4.3 3.1 2.9 2.3 Gingival Disorder 4.1 2.9 2.0 1.5 Vomiting 3.8 3.5 – – Respiratory System Influenza 39.7 36.2 – – Upper Respiratory Infection 38.1 32.8 26.1 25.8 Lower Respiratory Infection 7.8 6.6 – – Ear, Nose & Throat Symptoms 2.0 1.6 – – Musculoskeletal System Back Pain 13.9 12.1 – – Pain Lower Extremities – – 10.8 10.3 Arthritis 5.4 4.8 – – Myalgia 4.2 3.3 – – Joint Disorder 2.3 2.2 – – Tendonitis – – 2.0 1.9 Central Nervous System Headache 30.6 27.6 – – Dizziness 5.2 5.0 – – Body as a Whole Fatigue 7.2 6.4 3.1 1.7 Sleep Disorder 3.9 3.3 – – Skin & Appendages Rash 4.3 4.0 – – Dry Skin 2.1 1.4 – – Reproductive, Female Menstrual Irregula …

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Cyclosporine: Reduction in cyclosporine plasma levels was observed when ORLISTAT was coadministered with cyclosporine. ( 7.1 ) Fat-soluble Vitamin Supplements and Analogues: All patients should take a daily multivitamin that contains vitamins A, D, E, K, and beta-carotene. ( 7.2 ) Levothyroxine: Patients treated concomitantly with ORLISTAT and levothyroxine should be monitored for changes in thyroid function. ( 7.3 ) Warfarin: Patients on chronic stable doses of warfarin who are prescribed ORLISTAT should be monitored closely for changes in coagulation parameters. ( 7.4 ) Amiodarone: A reduction in exposure to amiodarone was observed when ORLISTAT was co-administered. ( 7.5 ) Antiepileptic Drugs: Convulsions have been reported in patients taking ORLISTAT with antiepileptic drugs. Patients should be monitored for possible changes in frequency or severity of convulsions. ( 7.6 ) Antiretroviral Drugs: Loss of virological control has been reported in HIV-infected patients. Patients should be monitored frequently for changes in HIV RNA levels. ( 7.7 ) 7.1 Cyclosporine Data from a ORLISTAT and cyclosporine drug interaction study indicate a reduction in cyclosporine plasma levels when ORLISTAT was coadministered with cyclosporine. ORLISTAT and cyclosporine should not be simultaneously coadministered. Cyclosporine should be administered 3 hours after the administration of ORLISTAT [see Dosage and Administration (2) , and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . 7.2 Fat-soluble Vitamin Supplements and Analogues Data from a pharmacokinetic interaction study showed that the absorption of beta-carotene supplement is reduced when concomitantly administered with ORLISTAT. ORLISTAT inhibited absorption of a vitamin E acetate supplement. The effect of ORLISTAT on the absorption of supplemental vitamin D, vitamin A, and nutritionally-derived vitamin K is not known at this time [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) , and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . 7.3 Levothyroxine Hypothyroidism has been reported in patients treated concomitantly with ORLISTAT and levothyroxine postmarketing. Patients treated concomitantly with ORLISTAT and levothyroxine should be monitored for changes in thyroid function. Administer levothyroxine and ORLISTAT at least 4 hours apart [see Dosage and Administration (2) ] . 7.4 Anticoagulants including Warfarin Vitamin K absorption may be decreased with ORLISTAT. Reports of decreased prothrombin, increased INR and unbalanced anticoagulant treatment resulting in change of hemostatic parameters have been reported in patients treated concomitantly with ORLISTAT and anticoagulants. Patients on chronic stable doses of warfarin or other anticoagulants who are prescribed ORLISTAT should be monitored closely for changes in coagulation parameters [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 7.5 Amiodarone A pharmacokinetic study, where amiodarone was orally administered during orlistat treatment, demonstrated a reduction in exposure to amiodarone and its metabolite, desethylamiodarone [see Clinical Pharmocology (12.3) ] . A reduced therapeutic effect of amiodarone is possible. The effect of commencing orlistat treatment in patients on stable amiodarone therapy has not been studied. 7.6 Antiepileptic Drugs Convulsions have been reported in patients treated concomitantly with orlistat and antiepileptic drugs. Patients should be monitored for possible changes in the frequency and/or severity of convulsions. 7.7 Antiretroviral Drugs Loss of virological control has been reported in HIV-infected patients taking orlistat concomitantly with antiretroviral drugs such as atazanavir, ritonavir, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, emtricitabine, and with the combinations lopinavir/ritonavir and emtricitabine/efavirenz/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. The exact mechanism for this is unclear, but may include a drug-drug interaction that inhibits systemic absorption of the antiretroviral drug. HIV RNA levels should be frequently monitored in patient …

Use in Specific Populations

openFDA Drug Labeling

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Nursing Mothers: Caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman. ( 8.3 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Category X ORLISTAT is contraindicated during pregnancy, because weight loss offers no potential benefit to a pregnant woman and may result in fetal harm. A minimum weight gain, and no weight loss, is currently recommended for all pregnant women, including those who are already overweight or obese, due to the obligatory weight gain that occurs in maternal tissues during pregnancy. No embryotoxicity or teratogenicity was seen in animals that received orlistat at doses much higher than the recommended human dose. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard of maternal weight loss to the fetus. Animal Data Reproduction studies were conducted in rats and rabbits at doses up to 800 mg/kg/day. Neither study showed embryotoxicity or teratogenicity. This dose is 23 and 47 times the daily human dose calculated on a body surface area (mg/m 2 ) basis for rats and rabbits, respectively. 8.3 Nursing Mothers It is not known if ORLISTAT is present in human milk. Caution should be exercised when ORLISTAT is administered to a nursing woman. 8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 12 have not been established. The safety and efficacy of ORLISTAT have been evaluated in obese adolescent patients aged 12 to 16 years. Use of ORLISTAT in this age group is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of ORLISTAT in adults with additional data from a 54-week efficacy and safety study and a 21-day mineral balance study in obese adolescent patients aged 12 to 16 years. Patients treated with ORLISTAT in the 54-week efficacy and safety study (64.8% female, 75% Caucasians, 18.8% Blacks, and 6.3% Other) had a mean reduction in BMI of 0.55 kg/m 2 compared with an average increase of 0.31 kg/m 2 in placebo-treated patients (p=0.001). In both adolescent studies, adverse effects were generally similar to those described in adults and included fatty/oily stool, oily spotting, and oily evacuation. In a subgroup of 152 ORLISTAT and 77 placebo patients from the 54-week study, changes in body composition measured by DEXA were similar in both treatment groups with the exception of fat mass, which was significantly reduced in patients treated with ORLISTAT compared to patients treated with placebo (-2.5 kg vs -0.6 kg, p=0.033). Because ORLISTAT can interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, all patients should take a daily multivitamin that contains vitamins A, D, E, K, and beta-carotene. The vitamin supplement should be taken at least 2 hours before or after ORLISTAT [see Dosage and Administration (2) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Plasma concentrations of orlistat and its metabolites M1 and M3 were similar to those found in adults at the same dose level. Daily fecal fat excretions were 27% and 7% of dietary intake in ORLISTAT and placebo treatment groups, respectively. 8.5 Geriatric Use Clinical studies of ORLISTAT did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients [see Clinical Studies (14) ] .

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

12.1 Mechanism of Action Orlistat is a reversible inhibitor of gastrointestinal lipases. It exerts its therapeutic activity in the lumen of the stomach and small intestine by forming a covalent bond with the active serine residue site of gastric and pancreatic lipases. The inactivated enzymes are thus unavailable to hydrolyze dietary fat in the form of triglycerides into absorbable free fatty acids and monoglycerides. As undigested triglycerides are not absorbed, the resulting caloric deficit may have a positive effect on weight control.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

11 DESCRIPTION ORLISTAT is a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor for obesity management that acts by inhibiting the absorption of dietary fats. Orlistat is (S)-2-formylamino-4-methyl-pentanoic acid (S)-1-[[(2S, 3S)-3-hexyl-4-oxo-2-oxetanyl] methyl]-dodecyl ester. Its empirical formula is C 29 H 53 NO 5 , and its molecular weight is 495.7. It is a single diastereomeric molecule that contains four chiral centers, with a negative optical rotation in ethanol at 529 nm. The structure is: Orlistat is a white to off-white crystalline powder. Orlistat is practically insoluble in water, freely soluble in chloroform, and very soluble in methanol and ethanol. Orlistat has no p K a within the physiological pH range. ORLISTAT is available for oral administration as a turquoise hard-gelatin capsule. The capsule is imprinted with black. Each capsule contains a pellet formulation consisting of 120 mg of the active ingredient, orlistat, as well as the inactive ingredients microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, sodium lauryl sulfate, povidone, and talc. The capsule shell contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, and FD&C Blue No. 2 with black printing ink containing pharmaceutical grade shellac, propylene glycol, strong ammonium solution, potassium hydroxide and black iron oxide. chemical structure

10 OVERDOSAGE Single doses of 800 mg ORLISTAT and multiple doses of up to 400 mg three times a day for 15 days have been studied in normal weight and obese subjects without significant adverse findings. Should a significant overdose of ORLISTAT occur, it is recommended that the patient be observed for 24 hours. Based on human and animal studies, systemic effects attributable to the lipase-inhibiting properties of ORLISTAT should be rapidly reversible.

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING ORLISTAT is a turquoise, hard-gelatin capsule containing pellets of powder. ORLISTAT 120 mg Capsules: Turquoise, two-piece, No. 1 opaque hard-gelatin capsule imprinted with XENICAL 120 in black ink — bottle of 90 (NDC 61269-565-90). Storage and Handling Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Keep bottle tightly closed. ORLISTAT should not be used after the given expiration date.

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
25,755
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: ORLISTAT. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
11014-0674-1 11014-0674 Catalent Pharma Solutions, LLC 120 BOTTLE in 1 BOX (11014-0674-1) / 84 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE September 4, 2023
11014-0674-2 11014-0674 Catalent Pharma Solutions, LLC 105 BOTTLE in 1 BOX (11014-0674-2) / 120 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE September 4, 2023
11014-0674-4 11014-0674 Catalent Pharma Solutions, LLC 1 BAG in 1 DRUM (11014-0674-4) / 44000 CAPSULE in 1 BAG January 1, 2025
11014-0674-5 11014-0674 Catalent Pharma Solutions, LLC 6 BOTTLE in 1 BOX (11014-0674-5) / 84 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE May 21, 2025
71973-420-01 71973-420 Delpharm Milano Srl 1 BAG in 1 DRUM (71973-420-01) / 49962 CAPSULE in 1 BAG December 17, 2010
61269-565-90 61269-565 H2-Pharma LLC 90 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (61269-565-90) June 1, 2022
11014-0674 11014-0674 Catalent Pharma Solutions, LLC — April 23, 2023
71973-420 71973-420 Delpharm Milano Srl — December 17, 2010
61269-565 61269-565 H2-Pharma LLC — June 1, 2022

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts

Generated September 25, 2026 · 11 sections on this page.