Xenical

During menopause, fat distribution in the body changes: fat is more likely to be stored around the waist and metabolism slows down. As a result, weight gain can occur more quickly and losing weight becomes more challenging. 

Xenical may be prescribed for: 

• Obesity: a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above. 
• Overweight: a BMI between 27 and 30 kg/m², in combination with health issues such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or sleep apnoea. 

Xenical should always be used alongside a calorie-controlled diet and sufficient physical activity. If you have not lost at least 5% of your body weight after 12 weeks, your doctor will discuss whether it is appropriate to continue treatment. 

Dosage 

• Adults: one 120 mg capsule three times daily. 
• Take the capsule before, during, or up to 1 hour after the meal. 
• Swallow the capsule whole with a little water. 

Method of use 

• Always combine Xenical with a balanced, calorie-controlled diet rich in vegetables and fruit. 
• Ensure that around 30% of calories come from fat, spread across three meals. 
• Avoid high-fat snacks such as biscuits or chocolate to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms. 
• Xenical only works with meals that contain fat. If you skip a meal or eat fat-free, you do not need to take Xenical. 

Taken too much?  

Contact a doctor or hospital immediately. 

Missed dose? 

• Up to 1 hour after the meal: take the capsule anyway. 
• More than 1 hour after the meal: skip the dose. 
• Never take a double dose to make up for a missed capsule. 

If you stop taking Xenical  

Do not stop without consulting your doctor. 

Do not use Xenical if you: 

• are allergic to orlistat or any of the other ingredients; 
• have chronic malabsorption syndrome; 
• have cholestasis (a liver disorder); 
• are breastfeeding. 

Not suitable for children. 

Take extra care with Xenical  

Consult your doctor if you: 

• have liver or kidney problems; 
• are taking medication for diabetes, cholesterol, or blood clotting; 
• have severe diarrhoea: the contraceptive pill may be less reliable as a result. In this case, temporarily use an additional contraceptive method, such as a condom. 

Xenical can cause harmless changes in bowel habits, such as oily or fatty stools. This is usually mild and improves with dietary adjustments. 

This is an overview of the main warnings. Please refer to the package leaflet for the full list. 

Use with other medications 

Always inform your doctor about any other medication you are taking. Possible interactions include: 

• anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin); 
• ciclosporin (combination not recommended); 
• thyroid medication (levothyroxine, risk of reduced effect); 
• amiodarone (heart medication). 

Xenical also reduces the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (including vitamin E and beta-carotene). Your doctor may recommend a multivitamin supplement. 

Driving and operating machinery 

Xenical does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. 

Other side effects 

• Very common (≥1 in 10): headache, abdominal pain, flatulence with discharge of stool, oily or fatty stools, loose stools, increased urgency to open bowels, low blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. 
• Common (≤1 in 10): soft stools, rectal pain, bloating, dental and gum problems, tiredness, irregular periods. 

Serious side effects 

• Rare: allergic reactions (itching, skin rash, breathing difficulties), hepatitis or inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Seek medical advice immediately if you experience these symptoms. 

This list is not exhaustive. A full list of possible side effects can be found in the package leaflet. 

The active ingredient in Xenical is orlistat (120 mg per capsule). 

Marketing authorisation holder: Roche Registration Limited, United Kingdom.  

Manufacturer: Roche Pharma AG, Germany. 

Capsules are turquoise, printed with “ROCHE XENICAL 120”, available in packs of 21, 42 or 84 capsules. 

Xenical is only available on prescription in the United Kingdom. During an online consultation, a doctor will determine whether this medication is appropriate. If the doctor provides a prescription, it will be sent to a partner pharmacy.  

The cost of the consultation is included in the price of Xenical.