Medicated Weight Management - Orlistat

medicated weight programme weight loss clinic

Orlistat Medicated Weight Management Programme

At Kennedy’s Pharmacy, our priority is to help you become the healthiest and happiest version of yourself. We strive to provide the best service for your health and wellbeing as well as displaying professionalism and encouragement, and giving expert medical and lifestyle advice to the wider community we serve.

What is the Medicated Weight Management Service?

The Medicated Weight Management Service can help you achieve healthy weight loss with support and health advice from your local pharmacist at Kennedy’s Pharmacy. In addition, we can privately prescribe an oral medication called Orlistat and provide you with all the supporting materials and advice to help you on your weight loss journey.

Making an Appointment

Booking an appointment is encouraged as it is an agreed time that suits both the patient and pharmacist and free from distractions within the pharmacy. However, please feel free to call the pharmacy at any time to determine appointment availability or seek advice from the pharmacist.

Information on this service can be sought from both Rasharkin and Dunloy pharmacies, however, at present, appointments are available in Dunloy only. You can use the form at the bottom to leave your details.

The pharmacies can be contacted as below:

Tel: 028 2765 7803 (Dunloy)

Tel: 028 2957 1124 (Rasharkin)

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Orlistat work?

Orlistat is a capsule that works in your digestive system to block about one third of the fat in the food you eat from being digested. It attaches to enzymes in your digestive system and blocks them from breaking down some of the fat you have eaten during your meal. The undigested fat cannot be absorbed and is eliminated from the body.

Is Orlistat suitable for me?

Orlistat is suitable for patients:

Between 18 and 65 years of age
With a BMI of 30 or greater in which diet modification and physical activity has failed to achieve a realistic weight reduction
With a BMI of over 28 with risk factors such as coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea or high cholesterol

If you are unsure of your BMI it can be checked here:

BMI calculator | Check your BMI - NHS | Please fill in your details (www.nhs.uk)

Orlistat is not suitable outside of the age and BMI ranges listed above. It is also unsuitable in patients with a hypersensitivity to the active substance or excipients, patients with chronic malabsorption syndrome or eating disorders, patients currently taking other anti-obesity drugs, patients with cholestasis or renal/hepatic impairment, in pregnancy and breastfeeding individuals and concurrent treatment with certain medications. The pharmacist will advise if you are eligible for this treatment.

What happens at the first consultation?

At your first consultation, the pharmacist will perform a risk assessment, taking into account current medications and health conditions. The pharmacist will calculate your BMI by measuring your current weight and height and your blood pressure and “central” fat distribution will also be measured and recorded. If deemed suitable for Orlistat, the pharmacist can privately prescribe you 4 weeks supply and discuss the dosing regimen and side effects as well as providing dietary and lifestyle advice and supporting materials.

How much does the service cost?

The initial consultation costs £30.00. If Orlistat is deemed suitable and the patient is happy to be prescribed treatment, a four week supply of Orlistat will cost £30.00.

Do I need to book an appointment?

The pharmacies can be contacted as below:

Tel: 028 2957 1124 (Rasharkin)

Tel: 028 2765 7803 (Dunloy)

Are there any side effects with Orlistat?

As with most medications, there are some side effects reported with use although not everybody gets them. Most symptoms occur at the start of treatment and after meals containing high levels of fat. The most common side effects include: headache, upper respiratory infection, abdominal pain, urgent need to open bowels, flatulence, oily discharge, oily/fatty stools and low blood sugar levels.

Are there any drug interactions with Orlistat?

The pharmacist will conduct a thorough medication history and advise if the patient is unsuitable for treatment. Some medications that may interact include acarbose, antiepileptic medication, antipsychotics, antidepressants, antiretrovirals for HIV, Benzodiazepines, amiodarone and ciclosporin.

What other weight management options are available?

If you are deemed unsuitable for treatment with Orlistat, we have another medicated weight management option called Saxenda®. Click here for more information on this weight management service.