Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Orlistat is utilized for weight loss, available in both prescription and nonprescription forms. It is used in conjunction with a personalized low-calorie, low-fat diet, and exercise regimen. Prescription orlistat is particularly beneficial for overweight individuals who may be experiencing comorbidities such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or heart disease.
Following successful weight-loss, orlistat may also be used as a means of weight maintenance. Classified as a lipase inhibitor, orlistat functions by inhibiting the absorption of dietary fat within the intestines, subsequently leading to the excretion of unabsorbed fat through the stool.
Uses and Dosage
Orlistat is typically taken orally with liquid during each meal containing fat, or within an hour of such a meal, and usually three times daily, as directed by your healthcare provider. In the event that you miss a meal or your meal does not contain any fat, skip the corresponding dose of the medication.
To minimize the likelihood of experiencing unpleasant side effects, ensure that no more than 30% of the calories in your diet come from fat. Your daily intake of fat, protein, and carbohydrates should be evenly distributed across three primary meals.
Refrain from increasing your dose or using the drug more frequently or for a longer duration than prescribed by your healthcare provider, as doing so will not hasten the improvement of your condition and could heighten your risk of side effects.
Since orlistat may interfere with the absorption of certain vitamins, specifically fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, it is recommended that you take a daily multivitamin supplement containing these nutrients. Take the multivitamin at least two hours before or two hours after taking orlistat, such as at bedtime.
If you take cyclosporine, take it at least three hours before or after orlistat to ensure that the full dose of cyclosporine is absorbed into your bloodstream. Similarly, if you take levothyroxine, it should be taken at least four hours before or after orlistat.
Weight loss is typically observed within two weeks of commencing orlistat. If your condition fails to improve or worsens, you should consult your healthcare provider.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- oily spotting on underwear or on clothing
- gas with oily spotting
- urgent need to have a bowel movement
- loose stools
- oily or fatty stools
- increased number of bowel movements
- difficulty controlling bowel movements
- pain or discomfort in the rectum
- stomach pain
- irregular menstrual periods
- headache
- anxiety
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- hives
- rash
- itching
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- severe or continuous stomach pain
- excessive tiredness or weakness
- nausea
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- dark-colored urine
- light-colored stools
Caution
Prior to taking orlistat, inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist of any allergies you may have, including any allergies to the medication itself or to other substances contained in the product. Inactive ingredients present in the medication can potentially trigger allergic reactions or other complications.
Before commencing use of this medication, be sure to inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist of your medical history, particularly if you have experienced chronic malabsorption syndrome, cholestasis, hypothyroidism, kidney stones/problems, anorexia nervosa or bulimia, HIV infection, or seizures.
If you are diabetic, it is possible that weight loss may improve your ability to regulate blood sugar levels. Regularly monitor your blood sugar and report your results to your healthcare provider, who may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise regimen, or diet accordingly.
This medication should not be taken during pregnancy, as weight loss provides no potential benefit to a pregnant woman and could be detrimental to the developing fetus. In the event that you become pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, inform your healthcare provider immediately.
It is unknown whether this medication is excreted in breast milk. Prior to breastfeeding, you should consult your healthcare provider.
Form and Strength
Xenical is available in the following forms and strengths:
-
Xenical capsule:
- 120mg
FAQ
How fast do you lose weight after starting Xenical?
Weight loss normally starts within 2 weeks and continues for 6 to 12 months on Xenical treatment. Xenical will then help you to maintain this new lower weight and help to prevent weight being regained.
How many calories does Xenical block?
Xenical blocks one-third of the fat you ingest.
Resources
- https://www.myvmc.com/drugs/xenical/#:~:text=Weight%20loss%20normally%20starts%20within,to%20prevent%20weight%20being%20regained
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-17218/xenical-oral/details
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601244.html
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/orlistat-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20065184?p=1
- https://www.drugs.com/xenical.html
