Consumer medicine information

Prolistat

Orlistat

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Prolistat

Active ingredient

Orlistat

Schedule

S3

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using Prolistat.

What is in this leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start taking Prolistat.

This leaflet answers some common questions about Prolistat. It does not contain all the available information.

Reading this leaflet does not take the place of talking to your pharmacist or doctor.

All medicines have risks and benefits. Your pharmacist or doctor has weighed the risks of you taking Prolistat against the benefits this medicine is expected to have for you.

If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your pharmacist or doctor.

Keep this leaflet with the medicine. You may want to read it again.

What Prolistat is used for

Prolistat contains the active ingredient orlistat. It belongs to a group of medicines called lipase inhibitors. These medicines work by targeting the absorption of dietary fat in your body rather than suppressing your appetite.

Prolistat is used to treat people who are obese (BMI ≥ 30), or overweight (BMI ≥ 27) with other risk factors (e.g. high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood lipid profile).

Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is calculated by dividing your weight (in kg) by your height (in metres) squared.

Dietary fats are large molecules that need to be broken down before they can be absorbed into the body. They are broken down by enzymes called lipases. Lipases play an important role in the digestion of dietary fat. When taken with a meal, orlistat interferes with the activity of these enzymes. This allows about 30% of the fat eaten in the meal to pass through the gut undigested. Therefore, your body cannot store these excess calories as fatty tissue or use them as a source of energy.

This helps you to reduce your weight by burning up fat that you are already carrying, maintain your lower weight and minimise any weight regain. Losing even small amounts of weight and keeping it off produces additional health benefits for you, especially when you are at risk for other diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

Prolistat can also help to improve risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar. If these are not treated, they could lead to other diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.

Prolistat should be taken in conjunction with a well-balanced calorie-controlled diet and other appropriate measures such as exercise.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions or if you are not sure why Prolistat has been recommended for you.

Prolistat is not addictive.

Before you take Prolistat

Prolistat is not suitable for everyone.

When you must not take it

Do not take Prolistat if you have:

  • chronic malabsorption syndrome (i.e. your body does not absorb essential nutrients as well as it should). This may occur with conditions such as tropical sprue and idiopathic steatorrhoea.
  • certain pancreatic problems
  • had recent major surgery to your stomach or intestines
  • a blockage of your bile duct.

Do not take Prolistat if you are allergic to any medicine containing orlistat or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.

Do not take it after the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack. If you take it after the expiry date has passed, it may not work as well.

Do not take it if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.

If you are not sure whether you should start taking Prolistat, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.

Before you start to take it

Tell your pharmacist or doctor if you have allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes.

Tell your pharmacist or doctor if you have or have had any medical conditions, especially the following:

  • vitamin deficiencies
  • kidney stones
  • peptic (stomach) ulcer disease
  • long-term treatment for mental or nerve disorders
  • painful gall stones
  • postsurgical adhesions
  • eating disorders
  • epilepsy or fits
  • significant heart, kidney, liver, gastrointestinal or endocrine disorders
  • taking oral contraceptives
  • taking medicines for HIV
  • have a thyroid disorder
  • any other health problems.

Also tell your doctor if you are taking large doses of laxatives.

Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. The safety of the use of this medicine in women who are pregnant or may become pregnant has not been established. Prolistat is not recommended for use during pregnancy, unless you and your doctor have discussed the risks and benefits involved.

Do not breast-feed if you are taking this medicine. It is not known whether orlistat is excreted in human milk. Prolistat should not be taken during breast-feeding.

Do not give Prolistat to children or adolescents under 18 years. There is not enough information to recommend the use of this medicine for children.

If you have not told your pharmacist or doctor about any of the above, tell them before you start taking Prolistat.

If you are taking oral contraceptives, commonly known as birth control pills, the use of an additional method of contraception is recommended. This is because you might experience severe diarrhoea whilst taking Prolistat which may decrease the absorption of oral contraceptive into your body. It is recommended that you use an additional method of contraception to prevent pregnancy.

Taking other medicines

Tell your pharmacist or doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you get without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Tell any healthcare professional who is prescribing a new medicine for you that you are taking Prolistat.

Some medicines and Prolistat may interfere with each other. These include:

  • ciclosporin, a transplant rejection medicine
  • warfarin or other anticoagulants (medicines that prevent blood clots)
  • amiodarone, a medicine used to treat irregular heart beat
  • acarbose and other medicines used to treat diabetes
  • medicines used to treat epilepsy or fits
  • other weight-loss medicines
  • some vitamin supplements.
  • medicines for HIV
  • drugs to control hypothyroidism
  • lithium and other medicines used for mental or sleep disorders.

The above medicines may be affected by Prolistat, or may affect how well it works. You may need different amounts, or take them at different times, or you may need to take different medicines. Because weight loss has many beneficial effects, it may also affect the dose of medicines taken for conditions such as high cholesterol or diabetes.

Be sure to discuss these and other medicines you may be taking with your pharmacist or doctor. Losing weight may also mean you need adjustments to these medicines.

Your pharmacist and doctor have more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while taking Prolistat.

How to take Prolistat

Read the label carefully and follow all directions given to you by your pharmacist and doctor. They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.

If you do not understand the instructions on the pack, ask your pharmacist or doctor for help.

How much to take

Adults 18 years and over
Take one 120 mg capsule three times a day.

Taking more than the recommended dose will not provide an additional benefit.

It is also recommended that you take a daily multivitamin supplement containing vitamins A, D, E and K.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure of the correct dose for you. They will tell you exactly how much to take. This depends on your condition and whether or not you are taking any other medicines.

If you take the wrong dose, Prolistat may not work as well.

How to take it

Swallow the capsule whole with a full glass of water.

Prolistat should be taken with a well-balanced calorie controlled diet that is rich in fruit and vegetables and contains an average of 30% calories from fat. Your daily intake of fat, carbohydrate and protein should be distributed over 3 main meals. To gain the most benefit, avoid eating food containing fat between meals, such as biscuits, chocolate or savoury snacks.

Look out for fats in foods by reading all food labels. Your fat intake may also be reduced by removing all fat from meat, skin from chicken and using non-fat or low fat milk.

Be careful not to replace the fat in your diet with large quantities of other foods, such as sugar and alcohol.

For further dietary advice, refer to the NHMRC website at http:/www.nhmrc.gov.au.

When to take it

Take 1 capsule with each of the 3 main meals per day. This means that you will usually take one capsule at breakfast, lunch and dinner. It can be taken during the meal or up to 1 hour after the meal is consumed.

Prolistat only works in the presence of dietary fat in your body. Therefore, if you miss a main meal or if you know that the meal contains no fat, then Prolistat need not be taken.

How long to take it

Continue taking the medicine for as long as your pharmacist or doctor tells you to, for up to four years.

Take Prolistat every day for it to be effective.

Weight loss normally starts within 2 weeks and continues for 6 to 12 months on Prolistat treatment. Prolistat will then help you to maintain this new lower weight and help to prevent weight being regained.

The improvement in risk factors (such as reduction in high blood pressure, normalising blood sugar levels and lowering cholesterol levels) is usually observed within 1 month of starting therapy and is maintained during the course of treatment.

If you are unsure whether you should stop taking Prolistat, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.

If you forget to take it

If it is almost time for your next dose (i.e. close to your next meal), skip the dose you missed and take the next dose when you are meant to.

Do not try to make up for missed doses by taking more than one dose at a time. This may increase the chance of getting an unwanted side effect.

If you remember your missed dose within 1 hour of your last meal, take it and then take the next dose when you are meant to (i.e. after your next meal). Then go back to taking it as you would normally.

If you are not sure what to do, ask your pharmacist or doctor.

If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for hints.

While you are taking Prolistat

Things you must do

If you are about to be started on any new medicine, tell your pharmacist and doctor that you are taking Prolistat. Likewise, tell any other doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are taking this medicine.

If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, tell your doctor immediately.

If you are being treated for epilepsy or fits, contact your pharmacist or doctor if you think that the frequency or severity of convulsions have changed while taking Prolistat.

Tell your pharmacist or doctor if, for any reason, you have not taken your medicine exactly as prescribed. Otherwise, your pharmacist or doctor may think that it was not effective and change your treatment unnecessarily.

Keep all of your doctor's appointments so that your progress can be checked. Your doctor may need you to have regular blood tests to monitor your blood sugar or blood cholesterol level.

To gain the most benefit from Prolistat you should follow the nutrition program recommended to you by your pharmacist or doctor. As with any weight-control program, over-consumption of fat and calories may counteract any weight loss effect.

See your pharmacist or doctor if you feel that Prolistat is not working.

Things you must not do

Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you. This medicine is only intended for the person it has been recommended for.

Do not take Prolistat to treat any other complaints unless your pharmacist or doctor tells you to.

Things to be careful of

Eat a well-balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables. People on a weight reduction diet may become deficient in some vitamins and minerals. To avoid this, follow your pharmacist's or doctor's advice on a well-balanced diet.

Take a multivitamin supplement containing vitamins A, D, E and K. As this medicine works by preventing the absorption of some of the fat from the diet, it may affect absorption of some fat-soluble nutrients. Although most people taking Prolistat will still have normal vitamin levels, you should take a multivitamin supplement containing fat-soluble vitamins.

Take this supplement at least 2 hours before or after Prolistat, or at bedtime.

Distribute your daily intake of fat over 3 main meals. This medicine can cause harmless changes in your bowel habits, such as fatty or oily stools. This is due to the removal of undigested fat in your faeces. The possibility of this happening will increase if Prolistat is taken with a diet high in fat. In addition, your daily intake of fat should be distributed over 3 main meals. If Prolistat is taken with any one meal very high in fat, the possibility of unwanted effects on the digestive system will increase.

Driving or using machines

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Prolistat affects you. Prolistat may cause dizziness in some people.

Drinking alcohol

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you drink alcohol. Alcohol is not expected to interact with Prolistat.

Things that may help your condition

Increase your level of exercise as it will help with weight loss. Because increased exercise will help weight loss, it is advisable to follow a regular exercise program (e.g. walking, swimming).

See your doctor before starting any exercise program.

In case of overdose

If you take too much

Immediately telephone your pharmacist or doctor, or the Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13 11 26), or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital, if you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much Prolistat.

Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention.

Side effects

Tell your pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Prolistat. Like all medicines, Prolistat may occasionally cause side effects in some people. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical attention if you get some of the side effects.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor to answer any questions you may have.

Tell your pharmacist or doctor if you notice any of the following and they worry you:

  • increased flatulence (wind) with or without discharge
  • urgent need to have a bowel movement
  • frequent bowel movements
  • oily, fatty, soft or liquid stools
  • abdominal pain
  • oily discharge from anus
  • rectal pain or discomfort.
  • gum disease (swollen, painful bleeding gums)

Tell your pharmacist or doctor if you have type II diabetes and you notice any of the following and they worry you:

  • bloating
  • hypoglycaemia (symptoms include: sweating, weakness, hunger, dizziness, trembling, headache, flushing or paleness, numbness, fast pounding heart).

These are more common side effects. They normally occur at the beginning of treatment and usually go away if you continue treatment and keep to your recommended diet. These symptoms are generally mild and are usually experienced after meals containing high levels of fat.

Tell your pharmacist or doctor if you notice any of the following and they worry you:

  • nausea (feeling sick)
  • dyspepsia (indigestion)
  • headache
  • anxiety
  • menstrual irregularities
  • asthenia (unusual tiredness or weakness)
  • signs of respiratory infection such as coughing, runny nose, shortness of breath, and/or fever
  • signs of urinary tract infection such as going to the toilet more frequently, burning sensation when passing urine and/or lower back pain
  • blistering of the skin
  • back pain.
  • severe and continuous rectal bleeding
  • hypothyroidism (tiredness, lethargy, muscle weakness, cramps, feeling the cold, a slow heart rate, dry and flaky skin, hair loss, a deep and husky voice, weight gain).

Tell your doctor immediately, or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital if you notice any of the following:

  • serious allergic reaction (swelling of the face, lips, mouth or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing)
  • symptoms of liver disease (hepatitis) such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, feeling generally unwell, fever, itching, yellowing of the skin and eyes and dark coloured urine
  • unexplained bleeding, bruising or blood in your urine.
  • symptoms of inflammation of the pancreas such as severe upper stomach pain, often with nausea and vomiting.

These are very serious side effects; you may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.

Tell your pharmacist or doctor if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell. Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients.

Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.

After taking Prolistat

Storage

Keep your capsules in the pack until it is time to take them. If you take the capsules out of the pack they may not keep well.

Keep Prolistat in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C. Store in original container in order to protect from light and moisture.

Do not store it or any other medicine in the bathroom, near a sink, or on a window sill. Do not leave it in the car. Heat and damp can destroy some medicines.

Keep it and any other medicine where children cannot reach it. A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.

Do not keep Prolistat past its expiry date.

Disposal

Return any unused medicine and any medicine past its expiry date (as shown on the labelling) to your pharmacy.

Product description

What it looks like

Prolistat is available in blister packs of 42 or 84 capsules. The capsules are blue in colour and contain a white powder or slightly compacted agglomerates.

Ingredients

Active ingredient:

  • orlistat 120 mg

Inactive ingredients:

  • microcrystalline cellulose
  • sodium starch glycollate type A
  • hydrophobic colloidal silica anhydrous
  • sodium lauryl sulfate
  • gelatin
  • indigo carmine
  • titanium dioxide.

Prolistat does NOT contain lactose, sucrose, tartrazine or any other azo dyes.

Sponsor details

Boucher & Muir Pty Ltd
Level 9, 76 Berry Street
North Sydney NSW 2060

AUST R 268252

Date of preparation

This leaflet was prepared on 6 December 2021

Published by MIMS December 2022

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Prolistat

Active ingredient

Orlistat

Schedule

S3

 

1 Name of Medicine

Orlistat.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Prolistat capsules contain orlistat 120 mg.
For the full list of excipients, see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

The capsules are hard gelatin capsules with blue cap and body (size no. 1).

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Prolistat is indicated for the treatment of obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30, and overweight patients with a BMI ≥ 27 in the presence of other risk factors, in conjunction with a mildly hypocaloric diet.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

The recommended oral dose of Prolistat is one 120 mg capsule with each main meal (during or up to one hour after the meal). If a meal is missed or contains no fat, the dose of Prolistat may be omitted. The therapeutic benefits of Prolistat (including weight control and improvement of risk factors) are continued with long-term administration.
At the recommended therapeutic dose, the inhibition of the absorption of approximately one-third of dietary fat produces meaningful weight loss and reduces risk factors. At the same time, this effect allows absorption of adequate amounts of dietary fat and other nutrients that are essential for the maintenance of good health.
The patient should be on a nutritionally balanced, mildly hypocaloric diet that contains approximately 30% of calories from fat. It is recommended that the diet should be rich in fruit and vegetables. The daily intake of fat, carbohydrate and protein should be distributed over three main meals.
Because orlistat has been shown to reduce the absorption of some fat soluble vitamins and beta-carotene, patients should be counselled to take a multivitamin containing fat soluble vitamins to ensure adequate nutrition. The supplement should be taken at least 2 hours before or after the administration of Prolistat, such as bedtime.
In the 4 year clinical trial, patients took vitamin supplements containing vitamin A 800 microgram, vitamin D 5 microgram, vitamin E 10 mg, vitamin K 30 microgram and beta-carotene 400 microgram.
Doses above 120 mg three times daily have not been shown to provide additional benefit.

Special patient groups.

There is no dose adjustment required for the elderly, nor in hepatic and/or renal impairment.

Children.

The use of Prolistat in patients under 18 years of age is not recommended (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Paediatric use).

Body mass index (BMI) calculation.

BMI (kg/m2) = weight (kilograms)/height2 (metres). See Table 1.

4.3 Contraindications

Prolistat is contraindicated in patients with:
hypersensitivity to orlistat or to any of the excipients in the capsule;
pancreatic enzyme deficiency or chronic pancreatitis and major gastrointestinal surgery;
chronic malabsorption syndrome;
cholestasis.
during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

General.

No serious adverse reactions or safety hazards related to the use of orlistat have been reported to date during large, long-term clinical trials (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).
In addition to clinical trial data, post-marketing information is now available (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects), Post-marketing experience).

Information for patients.

Patients should be advised to adhere to dietary guidelines (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration). The possibility of experiencing gastrointestinal events (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)) may increase when Prolistat is taken with a diet high in fat (in a 8.4 kilojoule/day diet (2000 calorie/day), a diet high in fat would contain > 30% calories from fat, which equates to > 67 g fat). The daily intake of fat should be distributed over three main meals. If Prolistat is taken with any one meal very high in fat, the possibility of gastrointestinal effects may increase.
Consumption of a diet low in fat will decrease the likelihood of experiencing adverse gastrointestinal events and this may help patients to monitor and regulate their fat intake. Patients should be advised of the merits of reducing the saturated fats in their diet whilst preserving an adequate intake of unsaturated fats including omega fatty acids.
Patients should be on a nutritionally balanced hypocaloric diet containing no more than 30% of calories as fat (≤ 67 g of fat/day) and should also have an adequate intake of fat soluble vitamins.
A reduction in ciclosporin plasma levels has been observed when Orlistat is coadministered. Therefore, it is recommended to monitor more frequently than usual the ciclosporin plasma levels when Prolistat is coadministered (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).
Weight loss induced by Prolistat is accompanied by improved metabolic control in type 2 diabetics which might allow or require reduction in the dose of hypoglycaemic medication (e.g. sulfonylureas) (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).
Cases of rectal bleeding have been reported with Orlistat. Prescribers should investigate further in case of severe and/or persistent symptoms.
The use of an additional contraceptive method is recommended to prevent possible failure of oral contraception that could occur in case of severe diarrhoea (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).
Coagulation parameters should be monitored in patients treated with concomitant oral anticoagulants (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions; Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).
Rare occurrence of hypothyroidism and/or reduced control of hypothyroidism may occur. The mechanism, although not proven, may involve a decreased absorption of iodine salts and/or levothyroxine (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).

Antiepileptics patient.

Orlistat may unbalance anticonvulsant treatment by decreasing the absorption of antiepileptic drugs, leading to convulsions (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).

Antiretrovirals for HIV.

Orlistat may potentially reduce the absorption of antiretroviral medicines for HIV and could negatively affect the efficacy of antiretroviral medications for HIV (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).

Use in patients with other disorders.

Prolistat should be administered with due caution in patients with active peptic ulcer disease, chronically treated psychiatric/ neurologic disorders, symptomatic cholelithiasis, postsurgical adhesions, bulimia or laxative abuse and patients with significant cardiac, renal, hepatic, GI or endocrine disorders.

Use in patients with vitamin deficiency.

There are no clinical data on the use of orlistat in patients with vitamin deficiency.
Treatment with prolistat may potentially impair the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K). Prolistat should be administered with due caution in those patients who have a deficiency of fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K). Patients taking orlistat showed a greater reduction in vitamins D, E and beta-carotene levels compared to placebo during two or more consecutive visits in studies of 1-2 years duration. These patients did not receive prior vitamin supplementation. In order to ensure adequate nutrition, the use of a multivitamin supplement should be considered.
In a 4 year study, vitamin supplements were administered to patients who had low baseline vitamin values, or who experienced a decrease in their vitamin values during treatment. Over the course of the study treatment with orlistat resulted in a decrease in the levels of fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. More orlistat than placebo treated patients had falls in vitamins A and E. However in both orlistat and placebo treatment groups the mean plasma levels of fat soluble vitamins remained within the normal reference ranges at all times during the study.

Use in hepatic impairment.

Clinical investigations in patients with hepatic impairment have not been undertaken.

Use in renal impairment.

The use of orlistat may be associated with hyperoxaluria and oxalate nephropathy leading sometimes to renal failure. This risk is increased in patients with underlying chronic kidney disease and/or volume depletion (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).
Prolistat should be administered with due caution in obese patients with nephrolithiasis (renal stones) due to trends showing increased oxalate excretion in both healthy and obese subjects.

Use in the elderly.

Clinical investigations in geriatric patients have not been undertaken.

Paediatric use.

The safety and efficacy of orlistat in children have not been established.

Effects on laboratory tests.

Coagulation parameters, such as international normalised ratio (INR) values, should be monitored in patients treated with concomitant oral anticoagulants.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

Alcohol.

In a multiple dose study in 30 normal weight subjects, coadministration of orlistat and 40 grams of alcohol (e.g. approximately 3 glasses of wine) did not result in alteration of alcohol pharmacokinetics, orlistat pharmacodynamics (faecal fat excretion) and systemic exposure to orlistat.

Oral contraceptives (various ethinyloestradiol and gestagen combinations commercially available).

In 20 normal weight female subjects, the treatment of orlistat 120 mg three times daily for 23 days resulted in no changes in the ovulation suppressing action of oral contraceptives.
However, it should be borne in mind that orlistat-induced bowel irregularities may impair the efficacy of oral contraceptives. An additional contraceptive method should therefore be used, particularly in the event of diarrhoea.

Nifedipine (extended release tablets).

No interactions based on specific drug-drug interaction studies with nifedipine gastrointestinal therapeutic system (GITS) and nifedipine slow release have been observed. In 17 normal weight subjects receiving orlistat 120 mg tid for 6 days, orlistat did not alter the bioavailability of nifedipine extended release tablets.

Ciclosporin.

A reduction in ciclosporin plasma levels has been observed when orlistat is coadministered (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use). Therefore, it is recommended to monitor more frequently than usual the ciclosporin plasma levels when orlistat is coadministered (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Anticoagulants.

Coagulation parameters, including international normalised ratio (INR), should be monitored in patients treated with oral anticoagulants given concomitantly with orlistat.

Amiodarone.

In a pharmacokinetic study, oral administration of amiodarone during orlistat treatment demonstrated a 25-30% reduction in the systemic exposure to amiodarone and desethylamiodarone. The pharmacokinetics of amiodarone are complex. The effect of commencing orlistat treatment in patients on stable amiodarone therapy has not been studied, but reduced systemic exposure to amiodarone and desethylamiodarone is possible, especially after chronic dosage with orlistat. A reduced therapeutic effect of amiodarone is possible.
In patients receiving concomitant amiodarone treatment, reinforcement of clinical and ECG monitoring is warranted.

Antiepileptic medicines.

Convulsions have been reported in patients treated concomitantly with orlistat and antiepileptic medicines. A causal relationship has not been established; however, patients should be monitored for possible changes in the frequency and/or severity of convulsions.
No interactions based on specific drug-drug-interaction studies with amitriptyline, atorvastatin, biguanides, fibrates, fluoxetine, losartan, phentermine, pravastatin, or sibutramine have been observed.
Rare occurrence of hypothyroidism and/or reduced control of hypothyroidism may occur. The mechanism, although not proven, may involve a decreased absorption of iodine salts and/or levothyroxine.
There are some case reports of reduced efficacy of antiretroviral HIV medicines, antidepressants, antipsychotics (including lithium) and benzodiazepines coincidental to the initiation of orlistat treatment in previously well-controlled patients. Therefore, orlistat treatment should only be initiated after careful consideration of the possible impact in these patients.

Metabolic agents.

Weight loss induced by orlistat is accompanied by improved metabolic control in type 2 diabetes, which might allow or require reduction in the dose of hypoglycaemic medication.

Glibenclamide.

In 12 normal weight subjects receiving orlistat 80 mg three times daily for 4 1/3 days, orlistat did not alter the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics (blood glucose lowering) of glibenclamide.

Acarbose.

No studies evaluating any possible pharmacokinetic/ pharmacodynamic interactions between orlistat and the α-glucosidase inhibitor acarbose have been conducted, therefore concomitant administration with Prolistat is not recommended.
In the absence of interaction studies, the concomitant administration of Prolistat with other antiobesity agents is not recommended.

Narrow therapeutic index medicines.

Drug interaction studies were performed with orlistat and a number of medicines with a narrow therapeutic index. Orlistat had no inhibitory effects on pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic parameters of the following medicines.

Phenytoin.

In 12 healthy normal weight subjects receiving orlistat 120 mg three times daily for 6 days, orlistat did not alter the pharmacokinetics of a 300 mg dose of phenytoin.

Warfarin.

In 12 normal weight subjects, administration of orlistat (120 mg three times daily for 16 days) did not result in any change in either warfarin pharmacokinetics (both R and S-enantiomers) or pharmacodynamics (prothrombin time and serum factor VII). Although undercarboxylated osteocalcin, a marker of vitamin K nutritional status, was unaltered with Prolistat administration, vitamin K levels tended to decline in subjects taking orlistat. Therefore, as vitamin K absorption may be decreased with orlistat, patients on chronic stable doses of warfarin who are prescribed Prolistat should be monitored closely for changes in coagulation parameters.

Digoxin.

In 12 normal weight subjects receiving orlistat 120 mg three times daily for 6 days, orlistat did not alter the pharmacokinetics of a single dose of digoxin.

Fat soluble vitamin supplements and analogues.

Treatment with orlistat may potentially impair the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K). During clinical studies of orlistat there were decreases in levels of some fat soluble vitamins and analogues.
Furthermore, the absorption of supplementary doses of vitamins A, D and E and beta-carotene is significantly reduced with concomitant orlistat administration.
If a multivitamin supplement is required, this should be taken at least 2 hours before or after the dose of orlistat or at bedtime.

Other concomitant medications.

During clinical studies, orlistat was administered with a wide range of commonly prescribed medicines without evidence of clinically significant interactions.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

Fertility and reproductive performance were not affected in a study in rats given oral doses of up to 400 mg/kg/day which corresponds to a systemic exposure, in terms of plasma Cmax for parent drug, at least 95 times higher than that in women at the recommended dose.
(Category B1)
Orlistat was not embryotoxic or teratogenic in rats or rabbits at oral doses of up to 800 mg/kg/day, associated with systemic exposures (in terms of plasma Cmax for parent drug) of 100 times (rat) and 3 times (rabbit) than in humans at the recommended dose. Administration of orlistat to rats from late gestation to weaning at oral doses up to 400 mg/kg/day, associated with systemic exposures (plasma Cmax for parent drug) of 50 times that in humans at the recommended dose, did not affect pup survival or development. However, the safety of orlistat has not been established in pregnant women, and because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, orlistat is contraindicated during pregnancy.
 The secretion of orlistat in human breast milk has not been investigated. Prolistat is contraindicated during breastfeeding.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

No effects on the ability to drive and to use machines have been reported by patients taking orlistat.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

Gastrointestinal symptoms were the most commonly observed adverse events associated with orlistat, and were related to its mechanism of action. There was no difference to placebo in the occurrence and intensity of adverse reactions in other body systems.
The majority of GI symptoms were mild and transient. Commonly or very commonly observed adverse events that were considered by the investigator to be possibly or probably related to study medication were oily spotting, flatus with discharge, faecal urgency, fatty/ oily stool, flatulence, abdominal pain, oily evacuation, liquid stools, increased defecation and faecal incontinence.
The incidence of these increases the higher the fat content of the diet. Patients should be counselled as to the possibility of gastrointestinal effects occurring and how best to handle them such as reinforcing the diet, particularly the percentage of fat it contains. Consumption of a diet low in fat will decrease the likelihood of experiencing adverse gastrointestinal events and this may help patients to monitor and regulate their fat intake.
Very commonly observed adverse reactions were generally mild and transient. Events occurred early in treatment (within 3 months) and most patients experienced only one episode. Only 3% of patients experienced more than two episodes of any one adverse event.
During the first year of controlled clinical trials, 8.8% of patients treated with orlistat discontinued treatment due to adverse events, compared to 4.9% of placebo treated patients. During the second year of controlled clinical trials, 3.6% of patients treated with 120 mg orlistat for both years (n = 613) discontinued treatment due to adverse events, compared to 2.5% of patients treated with placebo for both years (n = 524). In both periods, the most common reasons for discontinuation from the orlistat groups were gastrointestinal adverse events.
In a 4 year clinical trial, the general pattern of adverse event distribution was similar to that reported for the 1 and 2 year studies.

Other adverse events observed in 1 and 2 year placebo controlled clinical trials.

Events listed below are classified within body system categories possibly or probably related to study medication according to the investigator, and enumerated in order of decreasing frequency using the following definitions. All events included occur at an equal or greater frequency in the patients treated with orlistat (n = 2847) compared to placebo (n = 1741).
Common: ≥ 1/100 and < 1/10 patients (1 to < 10%), uncommon: ≥ 1/1000 and < 1/100 patients (0.1 to < 1%), rare: ≥ 1/10,000 and < 1/1000 patients (0.01 to < 0.1%), very rare: 1/100,000 and < 1/10,000 patients (0.001 to < 0.01%).

Gastrointestinal disorders.

Common: soft stools, nausea, dyspepsia.
Uncommon: haemorrhoids, abdominal discomfort, discoloured faeces, vomiting, infectious diarrhoea, borborygmus, eructation, bloodstained faeces, stomach upset, anal irritation, abdominal distention, rectal haemorrhage, anal burning, abdominal fullness, dry mouth, diverticulitis, unpleasant smelling faeces, enteritis, rectal pain, gastritis, colic, painful defecation, tooth disorder, gingival disorder.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders.

Uncommon: xeroderma, rash, pruritus ani, nail disorder, abnormal hair texture, pruritus, eczema, acne, increased sweating.

Nervous system disorders.

Common: headache.
Uncommon: dizziness, vertigo, paraesthesia.

General disorders and administration site conditions.

Common: asthenia.
Uncommon: oedema, insomnia, influenza syndrome.

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders.

Uncommon: leg cramps, back pain, myalgia, pain in ribs.

Metabolism and nutrition disorders.

Uncommon: hypoglycaemia, increased appetite, thirst.

Hepatobiliary disorders.

Uncommon: cholelithiasis, biliary colic, cholecystitis.

Infections and infestations.

Uncommon: upper respiratory tract infection, lower respiratory tract infection, influenza, urinary tract infection.

Psychiatric disorders.

Uncommon: depression, anxiety.

Cardiac disorders.

Uncommon: chest pain.
Two cases of each of the following adverse events have been reported during clinical trials of orlistat considered by the investigator to be possibly or probably related to study medication: gastrointestinal disorder, solid stools, lower abdominal pain, epigastric pain not food related, hard stools, diverticulum caecum, papular rash, brittle nails, loss of appetite, fever, fatigue, malaise, muscle cramps, decreased appetite, hypokalaemia, avitaminosis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, unpleasant smelling urine, polyuria, dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea, menstrual irregularity, palpitation, blurred vision, dermal bleeding, bitter taste, tumour.

Post-marketing experience.

Gastrointestinal disorders.

Very rare: pancreatitis.

Immune system disorders.

Rare: hypersensitivity reactions including urticaria, pruritus, rash, angioedema, bronchospasm and anaphylaxis.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders.

Very rare: cases of bullous eruptions have been reported during post-marketing experience.

Investigations.

Reports of decreased prothrombin, increased INR and unbalanced anticoagulant treatment resulting in change to haemostatic parameters have been reported in patients treated concomitantly with orlistat and anticoagulants during post-marketing experience (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).
Very rare: increases in transaminases and in alkaline phosphatase.

Hepatobiliary disorders.

Very rare: hepatitis that may be serious, exceptional cases of severe liver injury, some fatal cases or cases requiring liver transplantation have been reported. No causal relationship or physiopathological mechanism between liver injury and orlistat therapy has been established.

Nervous system disorders.

Convulsions have been reported in patients treated concomitantly with orlistat and anti-epileptic medicines (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).

Renal and urinary disorders.

Cases of hyperoxaluria and oxalate nephropathy that may lead to renal failure have been reported.

Reporting suspected adverse effects.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after registration of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.

4.9 Overdose

Overdose of orlistat has not been reported. Single doses of 800 mg orlistat and multiple doses of up to 400 mg three times daily for 15 days have been studied in normal weight and obese subjects without significant adverse findings. In addition, doses of 240 mg three times daily have been administered to obese patients for 6 months without significant increase of adverse findings. Doses above the recommended dose of 120 mg three times daily have not been found to appreciably improve efficacy and may increase gastrointestinal events.
Orlistat overdose cases received during post-marketing reported either no adverse events or adverse events that are similar to those reported with recommended dose.
Should a significant overdose of Prolistat occur, it is recommended that the patient be observed for 24 hours. Based on human and animal studies, any systemic effects attributable to the lipase inhibiting properties of orlistat should be rapidly reversible.
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (Australia).

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action.

Therapeutic/ pharmacological class of drug. Peripherally acting anti-obesity agent, ATC code A08AB01.
Orlistat is the first of a new class of antiobesity agents with a unique mode of action. Orlistat is a potent, specific and reversible long acting inhibitor of gastrointestinal lipases, which are required for the systemic absorption of dietary triglycerides.
Orlistat selectively inhibits gastrointestinal (GI) lipase activity within the GI tract and prevents the absorption of 30% of dietary fat, thus producing a weight loss effect. Orlistat acts by forming a covalent bond with the active serine site of gastric and pancreatic lipases in the lumen of the stomach and small intestine. The inactivated enzyme is thus unable to hydrolyse dietary fat, in the form of triglycerides, into absorbable free fatty acids and monoglycerides.
As undigested triglycerides are not absorbed, the resulting caloric deficit has a positive effect on weight control. No systemic absorption is required to exert its therapeutic effect.
Orlistat had no significant effects on the physiological function of the GI tract, nor did it significantly influence systemic lipase activity.
Based on faecal fat measurements, the effect of orlistat is seen as soon as 24 to 48 hours after dosing. Upon discontinuation of therapy, faecal fat content usually returns to pretreatment levels, within 48 to 72 hours.

Clinical trials.

Observational epidemiologic studies have established a relationship between obesity, visceral fat and the risks for cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, certain forms of cancer, gallstones, certain respiratory disorders and an increase in overall mortality. These studies suggest that weight loss, if maintained, may produce health benefits for obese patients who have or are at risk of developing weight related comorbidities. Since fat provides twice the number of calories per gram as carbohydrates and protein, a selective reduction of calories from the dietary fat intake is a more efficient way of producing weight loss. The long-term effects of orlistat on morbidity and mortality have not been established.
The effects of orlistat on weight loss, weight maintenance, weight regain and on a number of comorbidities were assessed in the 4 year XENDOS study and in seven multicentre phase III double blind, placebo controlled, parallel group studies of 1 to 2 years duration. During the first year of therapy, the studies of 2 year duration assessed weight loss and weight maintenance. During the second year of therapy, some studies assessed continued weight loss and weight maintenance and others assessed the prevention of weight regain. These studies included over 2800 patients treated with orlistat and 1400 patients treated with placebo. The majority of studies had inclusion criteria of a body mass index (BMI) of 28-43 and age greater than 18 years. Orlistat also demonstrated beneficial effects in those patients who were diet resistant. In the XENDOS study, which included 3304 patients, the time to onset of noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus was assessed in addition to long-term weight management.
During the weight loss and weight maintenance period, a well balanced, mildly hypocaloric diet that provided 30% of calories from fat was recommended to all patients.
Orlistat has been shown to be safe and efficacious for long-term treatment for up to 4 years. Possible weight regain and/or attenuation of weight loss may occur after 1 year (see Figure 2).
Patients who participated in the 4 year XENDOS trial were aged between 30-60 years at enrolment.
The weight loss achieved with orlistat was associated with significant improvement of risk factors i.e. improved lipid profile (LDL/HDL ratio), reduced total cholesterol, reduced LDL cholesterol, reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure, reduced fasting glucose and insulin levels and a reduction in waist circumference, which is associated with reduced visceral adiposity. Improved cardiovascular risk status and improvements in glycaemic control, as shown by reductions in the number of diabetic or impaired patients upon glucose tolerance testing, were determined and are in accordance with the reduction in these risk factors.
Orlistat produced weight loss greater than diet alone only when used in conjunction with a hypocaloric diet.

One year results. Weight loss, weight maintenance, risk factors and quality of life.

Weight loss was observed within 2 weeks of initiation of therapy and continued for 6 to 12 months. Weight loss was evident even in those patients where diet alone had failed to induce a significant weight loss. The weight loss was maintained with continued therapy.
During the weight loss and weight maintenance period, a well balanced mildly hypocaloric diet that provided 30% calories from fat was recommended. The diet was calculated using initial body weight to provide a caloric deficit of 2.1 to 3.3 kilojoules (500 to 800 calories) per day, which represents an average caloric decrease of 20%. In addition, all patients were offered nutritional counselling.
The percentages of patients achieving a > 5% and > 10% weight loss after 1 year in the largest multicentre study for the intent to treat population are shown in Table 2.
One year of therapy with orlistat also resulted in clinically and statistically significant improvements in many risk factors associated with obesity compared to placebo treatment. The rapid improvement of risk factors included total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (see Figure 1), LDL/HDL ratio, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose and fasting insulin.
Subpopulations with fasting insulin ≥ 120 picomol/L or LDL cholesterol ≥ 3.362 mmol/L had clinically and statistically significant improvements in these risk factors compared to placebo at the end of 1 year of treatment.
The reduction in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol and the rapid improvement in LDL/HDL ratio produced by orlistat is independent of weight loss as was demonstrated in an 8 week study in normal weight hyperlipidaemic patients (see Short-term studies).
In addition, anthropometric measurements, including waist circumference and measurements of body composition, showed significant decreases in body fat including a decrease of up to 30% in visceral adipose tissue. A statistically significant difference in the satisfaction with treatment aspect of the quality of life questionnaire was observed over 1 year in favour of orlistat compared to placebo, although both groups showed worsening.

Two year results. Long-term weight control, risk factors and quality of life.

Orlistat was shown to be more effective than placebo in long-term weight control in four large, multicentre, 2 year double blind, placebo controlled studies. At the end of year one the patients' diets were reviewed and changed where necessary. The diet prescribed in the second year was designed for weight maintenance rather than to produce additional weight loss.
Fifty two percent (52%) of all patients who were treated with 120 mg three times daily of orlistat and completed 2 years of the same therapy had > 5% weight loss. The weight loss advantage between orlistat 120 mg three times daily and diet alone treatment groups was the same after 2 years as for 1 year, indicating that the pharmacologic advantage of orlistat was maintained over 2 years. In the same study cited in the one year results, the percentages of patients achieving a > 5% and > 10% weight loss after 2 years are shown in Table 3.
Compared to placebo, 2 years of therapy with orlistat also resulted in clinically and statistically significant improvements in many risk factors associated with obesity. A sustained improvement in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, LDL/HDL ratio, fasting glucose and fasting insulin was observed. Subpopulations with fasting insulin ≥ 120 picomol/L or LDL cholesterol ≥ 3.362 mmol/L who were treated with orlistat had clinically and statistically significant improvements in these risk factors compared to placebo at the end of 2 years of treatment.
In addition, in patients treated with orlistat, anthropometric measurements, including waist circumference and measurements of body composition, showed significant decreases in body fat. A statistically significant difference in quality of life (overweight distress and satisfaction with treatment) was observed over 2 years in favour of orlistat compared to diet alone.
Ancillary studies conducted showed that the majority of weight loss was loss in fat mass, which consistently accounted for more than 75% of total weight lost.

Prevention of weight regain.

Three separate studies evaluated the effect of orlistat on the prevention of weight regain in patients who previously lost at least 5% of their initial body weight.
In two of the studies, by the end of the second year the patients receiving dietary and counselling treatment alone regained a mean of 56% of their lost weight after 1 year, while patients treated with orlistat regained a mean of 31%. The third study was conducted to evaluate the effect of orlistat on prevention of weight regain in patients who lost 8% or more of their initial body weight with diet alone. There was significantly less weight regain in patients treated with orlistat than with diet alone.
Patients receiving dietary and counselling treatment alone regained a mean of 59% of their lost weight, while patients treated with orlistat regained a mean of 33%.
For all three studies, approximately one-half of the patients treated with orlistat regained no more than 25% of their lost weight. For all three studies, approximately one-quarter of patients either did not regain any weight at all or continued to lose weight.

Four year results. Long-term weight control and risk factors.

In the XENDOS study (a 4 year multicentre, randomised, double blind, parallel group, placebo controlled trial), the effects of orlistat treatment on long-term weight management and progression to noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus (type 2 diabetes) in obese patients (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 in males and females) were compared to placebo in 3304 obese patients who had either normal or impaired glucose tolerance at baseline. Thirty four percent of the 1655 patients who were randomised to the placebo group and 52% of the 1649 patients who were randomised to the orlistat group completed the 4 year study. Patients were aged between 30-60 years at the time of enrolment.
Orlistat was shown to be more effective than placebo in long-term weight control. Results showed that 73% of the orlistat treated patients lost ≥ 5% of baseline body weight after 1 year of treatment compared with 45% of the placebo treated patients (p < 0.001). In addition, 41% of the orlistat treated patients lost ≥ 10% of body weight after 1 year compared with 21% of the placebo treated patients (p < 0.001). Mean change in body weight was -10.56 kg for the orlistat treatment group compared to -6.19 kg for the placebo treatment group at the end of the first year of treatment (p < 0.001). After 4 years of treatment, 44.8% and 21% of the orlistat treated patients lost ≥ 5% and ≥ 10% of body weight compared to 28.0% and 10% of the placebo treated patients, respectively (p < 0.001). Mean change in body weight after 4 years of treatment was -5.75 kg for the orlistat treatment group compared to -3.03 kg for the placebo treatment group (p < 0.001).
Throughout the entire four year treatment period, orlistat treated compared to placebo treated patients had statistically significant (p < 0.001) reductions in several metabolic risk factors in addition to BMI. These included total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, LDL: HDL ratio, fasting insulin, fasting glucose, plasminogen activator inhibitor, and waist circumference. Statistically significant improvements over placebo in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were also observed. The relative changes in risk factors associated with obesity following 4 years of therapy are summarised in Table 4.
During the course of the XENDOS trial weight regain was observed for both orlistat and placebo treated patients (see Figure 2). The difference between orlistat vs. placebo patients narrows during the study but there remains a significant difference between orlistat and placebo treated patients at four years.

Study of patients with noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus.

A 1 year double blind, randomised, placebo controlled study in noninsulin dependent diabetics stabilised on sulfonylureas, was conducted. The results indicate that 49% of patients treated with orlistat (n = 163) achieved a > 5% reduction in body weight compared to only 23% of the diet alone patients (n = 159). Orlistat also improved glycaemic control in these patients as evidenced by statistically significant reductions in the doses of sulfonylureas, fasting blood glucose levels and haemoglobin A1c levels (0.5% improvement versus placebo). In this study, 43% of patients treated with orlistat were able to reduce or discontinue their oral hypoglycaemic medications compared to 29% of the patients receiving placebo. There were also statistically significant improvements in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, LDL/HDL ratio and triglycerides in the group treated with orlistat compared to diet alone.

Glucose tolerance in obese patients.

Two year studies that included oral glucose tolerance tests were conducted in obese patients whose baseline oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) status was either normal, impaired or diabetic. The baseline OGTT status improved in those patients treated with orlistat greater than those on placebo.
The progression from normal at baseline to diabetic status in the group treated with orlistat was 0.0%, as compared to 1.3% of placebo patients. Orlistat prevented or reversed the progression from normal to diabetes. The progression from impaired status at baseline (and thus at greatest risk for developing diabetes) to diabetic status decreased in those treated with orlistat, whose normalisation of glucose status was markedly greater (see Table 4).
In patients found to be diabetic at baseline, the glucose status of patients treated with orlistat improved more than placebo. For all patients, the status at baseline and the change over 2 years of treatment are given in Table 5.

Time to onset of noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus in obese patients.

In the XENDOS trial, over the 4 year treatment period there was a 37.3% relative reduction in the risk of developing noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus in the orlistat treatment group compared to the placebo group. Orlistat treatment delayed the onset of noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus such that at the end of four years of treatment, the cumulative incidence rate of diabetes was 9.04% for the placebo group compared to 6.15% for the orlistat group (p < 0.01).
For patients with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) at baseline, the difference in the cumulative incidence rate was highly significant (p < 0.01). Over the 4 year treatment period, the relative risk of developing noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus was reduced by 44.9% in the orlistat group compared to the placebo group.
The effect of orlistat in delaying the onset of noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus is as a consequence of the weight loss due to orlistat.
Treatment in the XENDOS study consisted of orlistat or placebo plus dietary and lifestyle modifications.

Short-term studies.

In an 8 week study, orlistat produced a 5% greater decrease in total and LDL cholesterol and a rapid improvement of the LDL/HDL ratio compared to placebo when administered to nonobese patients with moderate familial hypercholesterolemia (LDL cholesterol ≥ 4.2 mmol/L). The patients were on a weight maintaining, lipid lowering diet for 6 weeks prior to treatment with orlistat or placebo. A subgroup of patients with LDL cholesterol ≥ 4.9 mmol/L had a 15% greater decrease in LDL cholesterol compared to placebo following treatment with orlistat. These improvements were independent of weight loss.
In several studies of 6 weeks duration, the effects of therapeutic doses of orlistat on gastrointestinal and systemic physiological processes were assessed in normal weight subjects. There were no clinically significant changes observed in gall bladder motility, bile composition and lithogenicity or colonic cell proliferation rate, and no clinically significant reduction of gastric emptying time and gastric acidity. In addition, no effect on plasma triglyceride metabolism, systemic lipases, plasma and urinary minerals or electrolytes has been observed with the administration of orlistat in these studies.

Obese adolescents.

Only limited data on the safety and efficacy of orlistat in adolescents is available. One clinical trial showed that obese adolescents (12-16 years at screening) treated with orlistat for one year had a decreased BMI, while those in the placebo group had an increased BMI. The magnitude of the effect seen with orlistat on adolescents in this study was substantially less than that seen in adults in other studies. The adverse events profile was generally similar to that observed in adults (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)). However, there was an unexplained increase in the incidence of bone fractures (6% versus 2.8% in the orlistat and placebo groups, respectively).

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Absorption.

Studies in normal weight and obese volunteers have shown that the extent of absorption of orlistat was minimal. Plasma concentrations of intact orlistat were nonmeasurable (< 5 nanogram/mL) eight hours following oral administration of a single dose of 360 mg orlistat.
In general, after treatment for up to two years at therapeutic doses, detection of intact orlistat in plasma was sporadic and concentrations were extremely low (< 10 nanogram/mL or 0.02 microM), without evidence of accumulation, and consistent with negligible absorption.

Distribution.

The volume of distribution cannot be determined because the drug is minimally absorbed. In vitro orlistat is > 99% bound to plasma proteins (lipoproteins and albumin were the major binding proteins). Orlistat minimally partitions into erythrocytes.

Metabolism.

Based on animal data, it is likely that the metabolism of orlistat occurs mainly within the gastrointestinal wall. Based on a study in obese patients, of the minute fraction of the dose that was absorbed systemically, two major metabolites, M1 (4 member lactone ring hydrolysed) and M3 (M1 with N-formyl leucine moiety cleaved), accounted for approximately 42% of the total plasma concentration. Concentrations of these metabolites were low, averaging 26 nanogram/mL and 108 nanogram/mL, respectively. In view of the extremely weak inhibitory effect on systemic lipases (1000 and 2500-fold lower than orlistat, respectively) and low plasma concentrations, these metabolites are considered to be pharmacologically inconsequential.

Excretion.

Studies in normal weight and obese subjects have shown that faecal excretion of the unabsorbed drug was the major route of elimination. This is consistent with the minimal absorption and gastrointestinal site of action of orlistat. Approximately 97% of the administered dose was excreted in faeces and 83% of the total dose excreted was unchanged orlistat.
The cumulative renal excretion of total orlistat related materials was < 2% of the given dose. The time to reach complete excretion (faecal plus urinary) was 3 to 5 days. The disposition of orlistat appeared to be similar between normal weight and obese volunteers. Orlistat and the metabolites M1 and M3 are subject to biliary excretion.

Long-term administration.

Evidence from 5 phase III studies demonstrated an extremely low degree of systemic exposure to orlistat and a lack of accumulation in plasma after long-term treatment for up to 2 years.

Special populations.

As orlistat is minimally absorbed and has a nonsystemic mode of action, studies in special populations (geriatric, paediatric, different races, and patients with renal and hepatic insufficiency) were not conducted.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Preclinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology, repeated dose toxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenic potential, and toxicity to reproduction.
In animal reproductive studies, no teratogenic effect was observed. In the absence of a teratogenic effect in animals, no malformative effect is expected in man.

Genotoxicity.

Orlistat has no detectable genotoxic activity as determined by a bacterial reverse mutation assay, a mammalian forward mutation assay (V79/ HGPRT), an in vitro clastogenesis assay in peripheral human lymphocytes, an unscheduled DNA synthesis assay (UDS) in rat hepatocytes in culture, and an in vivo mouse micronucleus test.

Carcinogenicity.

Carcinogenicity studies in rats and mice have not shown a carcinogenic potential for orlistat at oral doses up to 1000 mg/kg/day and 1500 mg/kg/day, respectively. Systemic exposure in these studies, in terms of the plasma Cmax for parent drug, was at least 5 times (mouse) and 270 times (rat) that in humans at the recommended dose. There was a decreased incidence of mammary fibroadenoma in female rats in the high dose group.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Prolistat contains the inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycollate type A, hydrophobic colloidal silica anhydrous and sodium lauryl sulfate. Each capsule shell contains gelatin, indigo carmine and titanium dioxide.

6.2 Incompatibilities

Incompatibilities were either not assessed or not identified as part of the registration of this medicine.

6.3 Shelf Life

In Australia, information on the shelf life can be found on the public summary of the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The expiry date can be found on the packaging.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Store below 25°C. Store in original container in order to protect from light and moisture.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

Available in blister packs of 14, 42 or 84 capsules.
Not all presentations may be marketed.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of by taking to your local pharmacy.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

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 is not capable of ionising within the physiological pH range.

Chemical structure.

The chemical name for orlistat is (S)-2-formylamino-4-methyl-pentanoic acid (S)-1-[[(2S, 3S)-3-hexyl-4-oxo-2-oxetanyl] methyl]-dodecyl ester.
Molecular formula: C29H53NO5. Molecular weight: 495.7.

CAS number.

96829-58-2.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

Schedule 3 - Pharmacist Only Medicine.

Summary Table of Changes