ORLISTAT

Clinical summary

Indications and usage 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 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. Warnings and cautions 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