Understanding Orlistat Side Effects Before You Buy
Can Orlistat Cause Constipation? The Facts
Constipation is not commonly reported with orlistat treatment. The medication typically causes the opposite effect - more frequent, loose, or oily bowel movements as unabsorbed fat passes through your digestive system. This occurs because orlistat blocks approximately one third of dietary fat absorption, with the unabsorbed fat naturally excreted from the body.
Most gastrointestinal effects include oily stools, increased bowel frequency, and urgent need to open bowels - particularly when eating high-fat meals. These effects actually indicate the medication is working as intended. If you experience unusual constipation while taking orlistat, consult your prescriber as this may be unrelated to the treatment.
Orlistat Prescription Options and Pricing
EverydayMeds offers three clinically-proven options following online assessment. Generic orlistat 120mg provides the most cost-effective choice at £32.99 for 4 weeks (£29.69 with EDM10). Branded Xenical 120mg contains the same active ingredient at £42.99 for 4 weeks (£38.69 with EDM10). For those preferring a lower dose, Alli 60mg is available at £28.99 for 4 weeks (£26.09 with EDM10).
All 120mg products require prescription following clinical assessment. Our UK-licensed prescribers review your medical history, current medications, and weight management goals to determine suitability. Treatment may be appropriate for adults with BMI 30+ or BMI 28+ with weight-related health conditions.
How Our Online Prescription Service Works
Complete our confidential health questionnaire covering your medical history, current medications, and weight loss goals. A qualified UK prescriber reviews your information and issues a prescription if clinically appropriate. Your medication is then dispensed by our GPhC-registered Leicester pharmacy and dispatched with tracked, discreet delivery.
This regulated process ensures you receive genuine medication with professional oversight, eliminating the need for separate GP appointments while maintaining full clinical safety standards.
Managing Digestive Effects While Taking Orlistat
Keep dietary fat intake low - approximately 15g per meal - to minimise gastrointestinal effects. Spread your daily fat allowance evenly across three main meals, taking one orlistat capsule with each fat-containing meal. If you skip a meal or eat a fat-free meal, you can skip that dose.
Consider wearing dark underwear or panty liners initially, as some patients experience oily spotting. These effects typically reduce as you adapt to a lower-fat diet. A daily multivitamin taken at bedtime helps replace fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) that may have reduced absorption.
