What potential interaction does orlistat have with certain medications?

Orlistat is a weight loss medication that works by inhibiting the absorption of dietary fats in the intestines. One significant interaction to note is its effect on cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant drug commonly used in organ transplant patients to prevent rejection. Orlistat can decrease the levels of cyclosporine in the body, which may lead to a reduced effectiveness of the medication.

This interaction exists because orlistat alters the absorption of fat-soluble substances in the intestine, and cyclosporine is largely affected by changes in the way nutrients and drugs are absorbed. A lower concentration of cyclosporine can compromise organ transplant management, making it critical for healthcare providers to monitor patients closely and possibly adjust cyclosporine dosages when orlistat is prescribed.

Understanding these interactions is vital for managing patients on orlistat, particularly those requiring careful medication management due to other health conditions.