Brand name: Xenical, Alli
Generic name: Orlistat
Drug class: Lipase inhibitor
Dosage forms: Capsules
FDA-approved uses: Weight loss and weight management
Highlights
- It’s possible to receive a prescription for orlistat online by having a consultation with a licensed healthcare provider.
- Orlistat is FDA-approved to assist in weight management in certain people.
- Both prescription and over-the-counter forms of orlistat are available.
- Orlistat works by reducing the amount of fat your body absorbs from food.
Losing weight is often not as simple as eating less and moving more. Genetics can play a role in making it harder for some to lose weight, and many people live with obesity. Obesity can increase the risk of certain conditions, including
Although lifestyle changes such as changing your diet and exercise habits are usually used first to lose weight, taking medications like orlistat to assist may be necessary. Keep reading to learn where to get orlistat safely, including obtaining an orlistat online prescription, what will be required to qualify for the medication, and what its alternatives are.
What Is Orlistat?
Orlistat is a type of weight loss medication called a lipase inhibitor. It does not work to suppress your appetite or increase your metabolism, but rather to
Who Is Eligible for an Orlistat Prescription?
Usually, healthcare providers will consider prescription orlistat if you have a BMI of 30 or greater. If your BMI is not 30, but it is at least 27, and you have other conditions that may be related to your weight, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol, prescription orlistat may also be appropriate.
Whether you are using prescription or over-the-counter orlistat, it is important to be ready to pair it with lifestyle changes. This means eating a reduced-calorie and low-fat diet as well as increasing your movement and exercise.
How to Get Orlistat (Xenical) Prescribed Online
Step 1: Sign Up and Book an Appointment
Begin the process by creating an account on MEDvidi. You will be asked to provide basic information about your health history, your weight loss goals, and any other medications you have tried or currently take. MEDvidi makes it possible to get same-day or next-day appointments at a time that is convenient for you.
Step 2: Telehealth Evaluation
When it is time for your video appointment, you’ll meet with a licensed healthcare provider. They will review your health history and weight-loss goals and collect information to assess your health and BMI. If they determine orlistat or a different treatment is appropriate for you, they will discuss all of the options, as well as their efficacy and risks.
Step 3: e-Prescription (If Appropriate)
If an orlistat prescription is appropriate for you, your healthcare provider will electronically send it to your chosen pharmacy. Depending on the pharmacy, you will either pick up the medication or have it delivered.
Step 4: Follow-Ups and Refills
While taking orlistat, you will regularly attend follow-up visits. This will allow your healthcare provider to monitor your weight loss progress, provide refills, and make any adjustments to the medication if needed.
Cost, Insurance, and Savings
At MEDvidi, the cost of the medication is separate from the appointment cost. Insurance coverage for orlistat is limited; without insurance, the medication typically costs (for 90 capsules, 1-month supply):
- Generic orlistat (120 mg), $635 to $780 (Prescription only)
- Under the brand name Xenical (120 mg), $434 to $997 (Prescription only)
- Under the brand name Alli (60 mg), $52 to $119 (Over the counter)
Prescription orlistat is taken as 120 mg up to three times a day. Generic orlistat is only available at a different strength. You can talk with your healthcare provider to see if taking generic orlistat is right for you.
If your insurance plan covers orlistat, the exact cost will depend on its specifics. You can contact your insurance provider to learn more about your insurance coverage and check the cost of the medication with insurance. Your insurance provider may also require a prior authorization (an approval from a medical provider), and MEDvidi may provide such documents when appropriate.
If insurance coverage is not available for you, look for coupons like the ones from GoodRx and consider discussing alternative medications with your provider.
Important Considerations and Precautions
Orlistat is generally a safe medication, but still has a risk of causing side effects. You can reduce the risk of these side effects by ensuring that 30% or less of the calories in your diet come from fat.
Common Side Effects
Some of the most common
- Oily stains or spotting in underwear
- Increased flatulence (gas) with or without discharge
- Urgent feeling of needing to have a bowel movement
- Oily or fatty stools
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects of orlistat are rare, but still possible. They may include:
- Liver problems
- Kidney stones
- Gallstones
If you experience serious side effects while taking orlistat, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately or get emergency treatment by visiting an emergency room or dialing 911.
Who Should Not Take Orlistat?
While orlistat is a generally safe medication, talk with your healthcare provider about your entire health history to ensure the medication is appropriate for you.
It may not be safe for you to take orlistat if you have or have had any of the following:
- Chronic malabsorption syndrome
- Liver problems
- Allergic reaction to any of the ingredients
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
Interactions
Because orlistat partially blocks the absorption of fat from the food you eat, it may be necessary to take a multivitamin while using orlistat. It’s also possible that
Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about your entire health history and any over-the-counter or prescription medications, herbs, or supplements you take so they can ensure orlistat is safe for you.
This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects and precautions. Always be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about your entire health history and any side effects you experience.
Alternatives to Orlistat for Weight Loss
We are currently experiencing a rapid growth in available medications for weight loss. Depending on your medical history and weight loss goals, a medication different from orlistat may be appropriate for you. These might include:
- GLP-1 Agonists like Wegovy or Zepbound. These are available as oral pills or injections that help to reduce your appetite and slow your digestion to make you feel fuller and eat fewer calories.
- Phentermine, a stimulant that can suppress your appetite.
- Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion), a medication that partially blocks the reward cycle in your brain to reduce cravings for food.
In addition to medications, your healthcare provider may also suggest you make lifestyle changes, such as changing your diet or your exercise habits.
Conclusion
Orlistat is often prescribed to people who need some help to reach their weight-loss goals. By partially blocking the absorption of fats in your diet, it can help you to reduce calories and consequently lose weight, especially when paired with increased exercise. Book a consultation with a licensed healthcare provider to see if orlistat is right for you and receive a tailored weight loss plan online.
FAQs
Does orlistat require a prescription?
Generic orlistat and its brand-name version Xenical require a prescription. But there is also a lower-strength over-the-counter version called Alli. Talk with your healthcare provider to learn whether the prescription or over-the-counter medication is more appropriate for you.
Who can prescribe orlistat?
Licensed healthcare providers can prescribe weight loss medications like orlistat. These providers may include primary care physicians (doctors who do family medicine, internal medicine, or other doctors that provide general medical care), nurse practitioners (NPs), and physician assistants (PAs).
Can I buy orlistat online?
Yes, it is possible to receive prescription orlistat online after being evaluated by a licensed healthcare provider on a platform like MEDvidi and getting a prescription. The over the counter orlistat, under the brand name Alli, is available online from major retailers without a prescription.
