The weight reduction drug Orlistat is now available over the counter at UK chemists for the first time.
The drug works by blocking the absorption of fat into the body and is aimed at overweight adults (18 or over) with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 28 or more. Go to the NHS Choices website to work out your BMI to see if you may fall into this category.
Orlistat, whose brand name is Alli, has been available on prescription for ten years but this is the first time that it has been available over the counter. This move follows the re-classification of the drug from prescription only to pharmacy medicine status in all 27 EU member countries.
The drug costs just under £50 for a month’s supply. It will be sold to patients following consultation with a pharmacist and recommended for use in accordance with the manufacturer’s dosage instructions and as part of a healthy balanced lifestyle.
GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of the drug, say they have conducted clinical trials that have shown that adding Orlistat to a reduced calorie, lower-fat diet, can help people lose 50 percent more weight than dieting alone.
It has been warned however that the drug can have unpleasant side-effects such as diarrhoea and wind if not taken properly as part of a low fat diet.
People who would like to use Orlistat are warned to see their healthcare professional who will assess their suitability for taking it. Some people may have treatable causes for being overweight and may not need the drug.
People with diabetes are to be cautioned when starting this drug that weight loss may be accompanied with improved blood glucose control, which can result in diabetes medication needing to be adjusted, owing to fluctuations in blood glucose levels.
Increased blood pressure and cholesterol control is also possible and medication may need to be adjusted in people with these conditions too.
As with any drug, Orlistat may not be suitable for use in everyone and drug interactions are possible when taking medication for another condition.
If you are worried, see your healthcare professional for more information.