A woman is prescribed Orlistat for weight management. She is using a combined oral contraceptive. What additional precautions are needed?...

Question

A woman is prescribed Orlistat for weight management. She is using a combined oral contraceptive. What additional precautions are needed?

Accepted Answer

Use additional barrier methods if she develops diarrhoea, as Orlistat may impair absorption of the COC

Answer

None - Orlistat does not interact with the COC

Answer

Stop the COC and switch to a non-oral method

Answer

Double the dose of the COC while on Orlistat

Answer

Switch to UPA-based contraception

uk-dfsrh MCQ (SBA): Orlistat and COC Interaction