skip to main content

Orlistat counselling — GPhC CRA MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardGastrointestinal TherapeuticsOrlistat counsellingGPhC CRA

A patient takes orlistat 120 mg three times daily. Tomorrow she plans a fat-free breakfast, a moderate-fat lunch and a high-fat evening takeaway. Which advice best matches the authorised information?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Omit breakfast; dose lunch and dinner normally, while reducing dinner fat

Orlistat is taken immediately before, during or up to one hour after a fat-containing main meal. If a meal is missed or contains no fat, that dose is omitted. Dietary fat should be distributed across meals because a high-fat meal increases gastrointestinal adverse effects. Doses should not be pooled or doubled.

Reference: Xenical 120 mg SmPC: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/2592/smpc