Linestat 60 mg hard capsules
Spain
Table of Contents
Package leaflet: Information for the user
Introduction
Package leaflet: information for the user
Linestat 60 mg hard capsules
Orlistat
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains important information for you.
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
- If you need advice or more information, consult your pharmacist.
If you experience any adverse effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist, even if such effects are not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.
- If you do not lose weight after taking Linestat for 12 weeks, consult your doctor or pharmacist. You may need to stop taking Linestat.
Contents of the leaflet
- What Linestat is and what it is used for
- What you need to know before taking Linestat
- How to take Linestat
- Possible side effects
- How to store Linestat
- Contents of the pack and other information
1. What Linestat is and what it is used for
Linestat is used for weight loss in adults over 18 years of age who are overweight, with a body mass index (BMI) of 28 or higher. Linestat should be used in combination with a low-calorie and low-fat diet.
BMI is a way of determining whether you have a healthy weight or are overweight, taking into account your height. The table below will help you determine whether you are overweight and whether this medicine is suitable for you.
Check your weight in the following table. If your weight is below the weight shown next to your height, do not take this medicine.
Height | Weight |
1.50 m | 63 kg |
1.55 m | 67.25 kg |
1.60 m | 71.75 kg |
1.65 m | 76.25 kg |
1.70 m | 81 kg |
1.75 m | 85.75 kg |
1.80 m | 90.75 kg |
1.85 m | 95.75 kg |
1.90 m | 101 kg |
Risks of being overweight
Being overweight increases the risk of developing various serious health problems, such as diabetes or heart disease. These conditions may not make you feel unwell, so you should see your doctor for a general check-up.
How Linestat works
The active substance in Linestat (orlistat) is designed to target fat in your digestive system. It prevents about one-quarter of the fat you consume in meals from being absorbed. This fat will be eliminated from your body in the faeces. You may experience treatment-related effects (see section 4). Therefore, it is important that you follow a low-calorie and low-fat diet to help control these effects. If you do so, the action of the capsules will assist your efforts by helping you lose more weight than with diet alone. For every 2 kg you lose with diet alone, Linestat may help you lose an additional 1 kg.
2. What you need to know before taking Linestat
Do not take Linestat:
- if you are allergic to orlistat or to any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6),
- if you are pregnant or breastfeeding,
- if you are taking cyclosporine, used after organ transplantation, in severe rheumatoid arthritis, and in certain severe skin conditions,
- if you are taking warfarin or other anticoagulant medicines,
- if you have cholestasis (a condition in which bile flow from the liver is blocked),
- if you have diagnosed malabsorption of food (chronic malabsorption syndrome) diagnosed by a doctor.
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting Linestat.
-
If you have diabetes. Consult your doctor about whether adjustment of your antidiabetic medication is needed.
-
If you have any kidney disease. Speak with your doctor before taking this medicine if you have kidney problems. Use of orlistat may be associated with kidney stones in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Children and adolescents
Children and adolescents under 18 years of age must not take this medicine.
Taking Linestat with other medicines
Linestat may affect certain medicines you are taking.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might need to take any other medicines.
Do not take Linestat together with the following medicines:
- Cyclosporine, used after organ transplantation, in severe rheumatoid arthritis, and in certain severe skin conditions.
- Warfarin or other anticoagulant medicines.
Use of oral contraceptives together with Linestat:
- Oral contraceptives may be less effective if you experience severe diarrhoea. Use an additional contraceptive method if you have severe diarrhoea.
Multivitamin supplements and Linestat:
- It is recommended to take a multivitamin supplement every day, since this medicine may reduce levels of certain vitamins absorbed by the body. The multivitamin supplement should contain vitamins A, D, E, and K. You should take it at bedtime, when you no longer plan to take Linestat, to ensure proper absorption of the vitamins.
Consult your doctor before taking Linestat if you are taking:
-
Amiodarone, used for heart rhythm problems,
-
Acarbose (an antidiabetic used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus); the use of Linestat is not recommended in people taking acarbose,
-
A thyroid medicine (levotiroxine), as the dose may need to be adjusted and the medicines taken at different times of day,
-
A medicine for epilepsy, as any change in frequency or severity of seizures should be discussed with your doctor.
-
Medicines for HIV. It is important that you consult your doctor before taking Linestat if you are receiving treatment for HIV.
-
Medicines for depression, psychiatric disorders, or anxiety.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist while taking Linestat:
- If you are taking any medicine for high blood pressure, as dose adjustment may be needed.
- If you are taking any medicine for high cholesterol, as dose adjustment may be needed.
Taking Linestat with food and drinks
Linestat should be used in combination with a low-calorie and low-fat diet. Try to start this diet before beginning treatment. For information on how to set your calorie and fat goals, see "Additional useful information" in section 6.
Linestat can be taken immediately before, during, or up to one hour after a meal. The capsule should be swallowed with water. This usually means one capsule with breakfast, one with lunch, and one with dinner. If you skip a meal or if the meal contains no fat, do not take the capsule. This medicine does not work if the meal contains no fat.
If you eat a meal high in fat, do not take a higher dose than recommended. Taking one capsule with a meal that is very high in fat increases the likelihood of experiencing treatment-related gastrointestinal effects (see section 4). You should make every effort to avoid high-fat meals while taking Linestat.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Do not take Linestat during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Driving and using machines
It is unlikely that Linestat will affect your ability to drive or use machines.
Linestat contains sodium
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol of sodium (23 mg) per capsule, i.e., essentially "sodium-free".
3. How to take Linestat
Preparing for weight loss
- Choose your start date
Select in advance the day you will begin using the capsules. Before starting to take the capsules, begin your low-calorie and low-fat diet and give your body a few days to adjust to your new eating habits. Keep a record of what you are eating in a food diary. Food diaries are effective because they make you aware of what you are eating, how much you are eating, and provide a basis for making changes.
- Decide on your weight loss goal
Think about how much weight you want to lose and set yourself a target weight. A realistic goal is to lose between 5% and 10% of your initial weight. The amount of weight you lose may vary from week to week. You should aim to lose weight gradually and steadily, at about 0.5 kg per week.
- Set your calorie and fat goals
To help you achieve your weight loss goal, you need to set two daily targets: one for calories and one for fat. For more information, see "Useful additional information" in section 6.
Taking Linestat
Adults aged 18 years or older
- Take one capsule three times a day.
- Take Linestat just before, during, or up to one hour after meals. This usually means one capsule at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Make sure your three main meals are balanced and low in calories and fat.
- If you skip a meal or if your meal contains no fat, do not take a capsule. Linestat does not work unless the meal contains some fat.
- Swallow the capsule whole with water.
- Do not take more than three capsules per day.
- Eat low-fat meals to help reduce diet-related treatment effects (see section 4).
- Try to become more physically active before starting treatment. Physical exercise is an important part of weight loss programs. Remember to consult your doctor if you have not exercised before.
- Continue being physically active while taking Linestat and after stopping it.
How long should you take Linestat?
- Linestat should not be taken for longer than 6 months.
- If you have not lost weight after taking this medicine for 12 weeks, consult your doctor or pharmacist. You may need to stop taking it.
- To be successful in losing weight, it is not enough to change your eating habits temporarily and then return to old habits. People who lose weight and maintain the weight loss make lifestyle changes, including changes in what they eat and how active they are.
If you take more Linestat than you should
Do not take more than three capsules per day.
In case of overdose or accidental ingestion, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately or call the Toxicology Information Service at: 91 562 04 20, stating the name of the medicine and the amount ingested.
If you forget to take Linestat
If you forget to take a dose of Linestat:
- If it has been less than one hour since your last meal, take the missed dose.
- If it has been more than one hour since your last meal, do not take the missed dose. Wait and take the next dose with your next meal as usual.
If you have any further questions about the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4. Possible adverse effects
Like all medicines, this medicine may cause adverse effects, although not everyone gets them.
Most of the common adverse effects associated with the use of Linestat (for example, gas with or without oily spotting, or more frequent bowel movements and soft stools) are the result of its mechanism of action (see section 1). Adopt a low-fat diet to help manage these diet-related treatment effects.
Serious adverse effects
The frequency of these adverse effects is unknown.
Severe allergic reactions
- signs of a severe allergic reaction include: severe difficulty breathing, sweating, skin rash, itching, facial swelling, rapid heartbeat, and collapse.
Stop taking the capsules and seek immediate medical help.
Other serious adverse effects
- rectal bleeding,
- diverticulitis (inflammation of the large intestine). Symptoms include lower abdominal pain, especially on the left side, possibly with fever and constipation,
- pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Symptoms may include severe abdominal pain, sometimes radiating to the back, possibly with fever, nausea, and vomiting,
- blistering of the skin (including rupturing blisters),
- severe stomach pain caused by gallstones,
- hepatitis (liver inflammation). Symptoms may include yellowing of the skin and eyes, itching, dark urine, stomach pain, and tender liver (indicated by pain under the front of the rib cage on the right side), sometimes with loss of appetite,
- oxalate nephropathy (calcium oxalate deposition which may lead to kidney stones). See section 2, take special care with Linestat.
Stop taking the capsules. Inform your doctor if you experience any of these effects.
Very common adverse effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
- gas (flatulence) with or without oily spotting,
- sudden bowel evacuation,
- oily or fatty stools,
- soft stools.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if any of these adverse effects worsen or become complicated.
Common adverse effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
- stomach (abdominal) pain,
- fecal incontinence,
- fluid or liquid stools,
- more frequent bowel movements,
- anxiety.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if any of these adverse effects worsen or become complicated.
Adverse effects observed in blood tests (frequency unknown)
- increased levels of certain liver enzymes,
- effects on blood clotting in people taking warfarin or other anticoagulant medicines.
Inform your doctor that you are taking Linestat when having a blood test.
Reporting of adverse effects
If you experience any adverse effect, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, even if it is a possible adverse effect not listed in this leaflet. You can also report them directly via the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System for Human Medicines: www.notificaram.es.
By reporting adverse effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Learn to manage diet-related treatment effects
The most common adverse effects are caused by the mechanism of action of the capsules and result from the elimination of some fat from the body. These effects typically occur during the first few weeks of taking the capsules, before you have learned to limit the amount of fat in your diet. These diet-related treatment effects may be a sign that you have consumed more fat than you should.
You can learn to minimize diet-related treatment effects by following these basic guidelines:
- Start a low-fat diet a few days, or even a week, before beginning to take the capsules.
- Learn more about the fat content of your favorite foods and portion sizes. Becoming familiar with portion sizes will make it less likely that you accidentally exceed your fat intake goal.
- Distribute your fat allowance evenly across meals throughout the day. Do not "save" fat or calorie intake for a high-fat meal or dessert later, as you may have done with other weight-loss programs.
- Most users who experience these effects find they can control and manage them by adjusting their diet.
Do not be concerned if you do not experience these problems. This does not mean the capsules are not working.
5. Storage of Linestat
? Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
? Do not store above 25°C.
? Store in the original packaging to protect from light and moisture.
? Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the carton and label after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month indicated.
Medicines must not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Dispose of unused medicines and their containers at the SIGRE Point at your pharmacy. If you have any doubts, ask your pharmacist how to properly dispose of unused medicines and their packaging. This will help protect the environment.
6. Contents of the pack and other information
Composition of Linestat
- The active substance is orlistat. Each hard capsule contains 60 mg of orlistat.
- The other components are:
Contents of the capsule: microcrystalline cellulose, sodium carboxymethylstarch (potato type A), anhydrous colloidal silica, and sodium lauryl sulfate.
Capsule shell: gelatin, indigo carmine (E132), and titanium dioxide (E171).
Appearance of the product and contents of the pack
Linestat 60 mg hard capsules have a light blue body and cap.
Linestat 60 mg hard capsules are available in packs of 42, 84, and 120 capsules.
Only some pack sizes may be marketed.
Marketing Authorization Holder and Manufacturer
Marketing Authorization Holder
Teva Pharma S.L.U.
C/Anabel Segura 11, Edificio Albatros B 1st floor
28108 Alcobendas, Madrid (Spain)
Manufacturer
Pharmaceutical Works POLPHARMA SA
Pelplinska 19
83-200 Starogard Gdanski
Poland
or
RONTIS HELLAS MEDICAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS S.A.
P.O. BOX 3012 Larisa Industrial Area,
Larisa, 41004 Greece
Date of the most recent revision of this leaflet: January 2022
Detailed up-to-date information on this medicine is available on the website of the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) http://www.aemps.gob.es/
ADDITIONAL USEFUL INFORMATION
Risks of being overweight
Being overweight affects your health and increases your risk of developing serious health problems such as:
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Certain types of cancer
- Osteoarthritis
Talk to your doctor about the risk of developing these diseases.
Importance of weight loss
Losing weight and maintaining weight loss, for example by improving your diet and increasing physical activity, can help reduce the risks of serious health problems and improve your overall health.
Useful advice on your diet and calorie and fat goals while taking Linestat
Linestat should be used in combination with a low-calorie and low-fat diet. The capsules work by preventing the absorption of some of the fat you eat, but you can still consume foods from all major food groups. While you should focus on the calories and fats you consume, it is important to maintain a balanced diet. You should choose meals containing a variety of nutrients and learn to eat healthily in the long term.
Understanding the importance of calorie and fat goals
Calories are a measure of the energy your body needs. They are sometimes referred to as kilocalories or kcal. Energy can also be measured in kilojoules, which you may have seen on nutritional labels.
- Your calorie goal is the maximum number of calories you should consume each day. See the table included later in this section.
- Your fat gram goal is the maximum number of grams of fat you should consume per meal. The fat gram goal table has been developed based on the information below on setting your calorie goal.
- Managing your fat intake is essential due to the mechanism of action of the capsules. Taking Linestat means your body will eliminate more fat, making it more difficult to handle high-fat meals as before. Therefore, by adhering to your fat goal, you will maximize weight loss results while minimizing the risk of diet-related treatment side effects.
- You should aim for gradual and steady weight loss. Ideally, aim to lose about 0.5 kg per week.
How to set your calorie goal
The following table has been designed to provide you with a calorie goal approximately 500 calories below the amount your body needs to maintain your current weight. This represents up to 3,500 fewer calories per week—approximately the number of calories in 0.5 kg of body fat.
Your calorie goal should allow you to lose weight gradually and steadily at a rate of about 0.5 kg per week, without feelings of frustration or deprivation.
It is not recommended to consume fewer than 1,200 kcal per day.
You will need to know your level of physical activity to establish your calorie goals. The more active you are, the higher your calorie goal will be.
- Low activity means you never or almost never walk, climb stairs, garden, or engage in other physical activities daily.
- Moderate activity means burning 150 calories per day through physical activity. Examples of moderate activity include walking approximately three kilometers, gardening for 30 to 45 minutes, or running two kilometers in 15 minutes. Choose the level that best fits your daily routine. If you are unsure which level applies to you, choose Low activity.
Women
Low activity | Less than 68.1 kg | 1,200 calories |
68.1 kg to 74.7 kg | 1,400 calories | |
74.8 kg to 83.9 kg | 1,600 calories | |
84.0 kg and above | 1,800 calories | |
Moderate activity | Less than 61.2 kg | 1,400 calories |
61.3 kg to 65.7 kg | 1,600 calories | |
65.8 kg and above | 1,800 calories |
Men
Low activity | Less than 65.7 kg | 1,400 calories |
65.8 kg to 70.2 kg | 1,600 calories | |
70.3 kg and above | 1,800 calories | |
Moderate activity | 59.0 kg and above | 1,800 calories |
How to set your fat goal
The following table shows how to set your fat goal based on the number of calories you can consume per day. You should plan to have three meals per day. For example, if your daily goal is 1,400 calories, the maximum amount of fat allowed per meal would be 15 g. To stay within your allotted fat amount, snacks should contain no more than 3 g of fat.
Calorie amount you can consume per day | Maximum amount of fat allowed per meal | Maximum amount of fat from snacks allowed per day |
1,200 calories | 12 g | 3 g |
1,400 calories | 15 g | 3 g |
1,600 calories | 17 g | 3 g |
1,800 calories | 19 g | 3 g |
Remember
- Stick to realistic calorie and fat intake goals, as this is a way to maintain long-term weight loss achievements.
- Keep a food diary recording everything you eat, including calorie and fat content.
- Try to become more physically active before starting the capsules. Physical activity is an important part of a weight loss program. Remember to consult your doctor if you have not exercised before.
Continue being physically active while taking Linestat and after stopping it.