Society Launches Guidance On Anti-Obesity Drug Orlistat

Main Category: Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness
Article Date: 22 Apr 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has published guidance to support pharmacists providing the new over the counter (OTC) anti-obesity drug orlistat 60mg, following its reclassification from prescription-only medicine to pharmacy medicine.

The guidance sets out the OTC indications for the drug, as well as important points to consider when counter prescribing, along with information on how it works, how it should be taken and specific interactions with other medicines.

Sadia Khan, Lead Pharmacist for Self-Care at the Society said: "The reclassification of this product provides an ideal opportunity for pharmacists to promote healthy lifestyle interventions, and make a significant difference in motivating people to lose weight and understand the health benefits of weight loss."

The guidance is now available online at http://www.rpsgb.org/pdfs/otcorlistatguid.pdf.

Orlistat

Orlistat is the first weight loss aid to receive an EU licence from the European Commission and will be commercially available from UK pharmacies this week.

It is indicated for sale over the counter for weight loss in adults (18 or over) who are overweight (body mass index of 28kg/m2 or over) and should be used with a reduced calorie, lower-fat diet.

Source
Royal Pharmaceutical Society