Lipophage 60 contains 60mgs of orlistat. It is a weight loss and weight management aid for those of the persons who are overweight or obese.
This drug works entirely differently from GLP-1 medicines like, e.g., semaglutide since its effect is mostly on changing appetite hormones; instead of reducing appetite hormones, orlistat works mainly inside the digestive system to reduce the amount of dietary fat absorbed from food.
Lipophage 60 must be combined with a low-fat, low-calorie diet and exercise regularly.
What Is Lipophage 60 mg Used For?
Lipophage 60 is used as part of a weight-management programme for people who are overweight or living with obesity.
Orlistat may be prescribed or recommended alongside:
- a calorie-controlled diet
- a low-fat eating plan
- regular physical activity
- long-term lifestyle changes
Australian Healthdirect explains that orlistat is a weightloss medication that reduces the amount of body fat the body gets from food.
Australian orlistat medicine guide says it is for adults with high body weight, overweight individuals with other risk factors, while having a low-calorie diet.
Lipophage 60 shouldn’t be seen merely as a “fat-burning” drug. The major effect is the blocking of absorption and digestion of some of the fat which one ingests with the meal.
How Does Lipophage 60 mg Work?
Lipophone 60 has orlistat, a compound that stops enzymes in the gut, called lipases, from doing their job.
These enzymes usually work by cutting fats down to small fat parts that are easy for the digestive system to absorb. By blocking some of this breakdown, orlistat allows some portion of the ingested fat to stay undigested and go right through the digestive system.
Thus, not all the calories from fat in the diet get absorbed, and if this situation is combined with a calorie-cutting diet, it may result in a slow reduction in body weight.
Since the drug affects fat from the diet the digestive system side effects might get more pronounced after taking in a very high-fat meal.
How to Take Lipophage 60 mg
Take Lipophone alongside a fatty meal or within one hour after eating, as advised on the product leaflet. The capsule should be taken whole, without crushing or chewing, and with water.
For orlistat 60mg products, the usual dosage according to the manufacturer is one 60mg tablet with each main fat-containing meal. The maximum number of tablets per day would be three. However, when the meal is not fat-containing, and when a meal is omitted, taking the corresponding dose is unlikely to benefit and is best omitted altogether.
It is best to consult with a licensed physician or a pharmacist and adhere to their medical advice as your specific needs may require tailor-made regimens.
Lipophage 60 mg Dosage
The strength shown on this product is:
Orlistat 60mg per capsule
For 60mg orlistat products, the commonly labelled dose for adults is:
1 capsule with each main meal containing fat, up to 3 capsules daily.
Taking more than the recommended amount does not provide additional weight-loss benefits and may increase unwanted effects.
A lower-fat diet is particularly important while taking orlistat. Australian orlistat information recommends a balanced diet and notes that the daily fat intake should be distributed across the main meals.
Missed Dose
If you forget a dose, take it when you remember if it is still within approximately 1 hour of the fat-containing meal. If more time has passed, the dose should generally be skipped rather than taken later. Do not double the next dose.
Why Does Lipophage Cause Oily Stools?
This is one of the more distinctive effects of orlistat.
Because some dietary fat is not absorbed, it remains in the intestinal tract and is eliminated in the stool. This can result in:
- oily or fatty stools
- oily spotting
- increased gas
- urgent bowel movements
- softer or looser stools
- increased frequency of bowel movements
These effects are well recognised with orlistat and can become more noticeable after meals containing larger amounts of fat.
Following the recommended low-fat diet can make these effects easier to manage.
Possible Side Effects
Common digestive side effects may include:
- oily spotting
- oily or fatty stools
- flatulence, sometimes with discharge
- urgent need to have a bowel movement
- increased bowel movements
- loose stools
- abdominal discomfort or pain
- faecal leakage
Rare but Important Problems
Orlistat has also been linked to rare but possibly serious issues regarding the liver and kidneys. If you have any of these symptoms you should go and see a medical professional immediately. Signs could include yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark colored urine, or an uncommon lasting abdominal pain along with other worrying symptoms.
People with kidney disease or a history of certain kidney stones may require particular caution because orlistat can affect oxalate handling.
Lipophage 60 mg and Vitamins
Orlistat can reduce absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins, particularly vitamins:
- A
- D
- E
- K
Australian product information recommends a daily multivitamin containing fat-soluble vitamins for people taking orlistat. The vitamin supplement should be taken at least 2 hours before or after orlistat, or at bedtime. This is particularly important during longer-term treatment.
Precautions
Tell your doctor or pharmacist before using Lipophage 60 if you:
- have chronic malabsorption syndrome
- have cholestasis or problems with bile flow
- have kidney disease or a history of kidney stones
- have liver disease
- have diabetes
- take thyroid medication
- take blood-thinning medication
- take medicines for epilepsy
- take ciclosporin or other medicines that require careful monitoring
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
Australian orlistat information specifically highlights interactions with medicines such as ciclosporin, levothyroxine, anticoagulants and some antiepileptic medicines.
Lipophage 60 mg and Other Medicines
Orlistat can affect the absorption or effectiveness of some medicines.
For example, Australian information warns that orlistat can reduce the absorption of ciclosporin and may affect the absorption of levothyroxine. These medicines may need to be separated from orlistat by several hours under medical guidance.
If you take regular medicines, vitamins or herbal supplements, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting Lipophage 60.
Do not change the dose of another medicine yourself to accommodate orlistat.
Lipophage 60 mg and Diabetes
People with type 2 diabetes may sometimes take orlistat as part of a medicated weight-loss management programme under physician supervision.
It is important that after losing weight you should be monitored because this may affect glycaemic control as diabetes medications might need readjustment. If you have diabetes it is a good idea to let your doctor monitor your sugar levels and medicine while undergoing this treatment.
Lipophage 60 is by no means expected to serve as a substitute for a medication prescribed to a diabetic patient.
Unlike orlistat, GLP-1 injections such as semaglutide work by reducing appetite directly rather than blocking fat absorption.
Lipophage 60 mg During Pregnancy
Weight loss is not recommended during pregnancy. Medical information recommends talking to your doctor or pharmacist about orlistat if you are pregnant or plan to get pregnant.
Should a pregnancy occur during the use of a weight-loss drug, consult a member of health care professions for recommendations instead of carrying on the therapy independently.
How to Store Lipophage 60 mg
The product-specific information available for Lipophage 60 recommends storing the capsules at room temperature, approximately 15°C to 30°C.
Australian orlistat products may have their own labelled storage requirements. For example, Healthdirect lists an Australian orlistat product with storage below 25°C, so the instructions on the specific pack should always take priority.
Keep Lipophage 60:
- in its original packaging
- away from excessive heat and moisture
- out of reach of children
- according to the storage instructions printed on the pack
FAQs
1. Why should Lipophage 60 mg be taken with meals that contain fat?
Orlistat works by blocking the digestion and absorption of dietary fat. If a meal contains no fat, there is little dietary fat for the medicine to act on, so the corresponding dose can generally be skipped.
2. Can Lipophage 60 mg affect the absorption of nutrients?
Yes. Because orlistat interferes with fat absorption, it can also reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K. This is why a suitable multivitamin may be recommended at a different time of day.
3. Is Lipophage 60 mg a fat burner?
Not in the usual sense of a stimulant or metabolism-boosting product. Orlistat works mainly by preventing some dietary fat from being absorbed, rather than directly increasing the body’s fat-burning rate.
4. Can eating a high-fat meal make Lipophage 60 side effects worse?
Yes. A meal containing a large amount of fat can increase the likelihood of oily stools, gas, urgency and other digestive effects. Keeping dietary fat within the recommended range can make treatment more manageable.
5. Does Lipophage 60 work if I do not change my diet?
Orlistat is intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet and physical activity. It is not designed to compensate for a high-calorie or high-fat eating pattern. Following the recommended diet is also important for reducing gastrointestinal side effects.
References
- Healthdirect Australia — Orlistat: (Healthdirect)
- Healthdirect Australia — Orlistat Viatris: (Healthdirect)
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care — Orlistat Viatris CMI:. (ACSQHC)
- DailyMed — Alli Orlistat 60mg: (DailyMed)
Medical Disclaimer
Lipophage 60 contains orlistat 60mg, a medicine used for weight management. It should be used according to the instructions of a qualified healthcare professional. This information is for educational purposes and does not replace individual medical advice.
If you take regular medicines, have diabetes, kidney or liver problems, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak with your doctor or pharmacist before using orlistat.
