Xenical 120mg

Xenical works by blocking the absorption of dietary fat. It is a weight-loss aid available in capsule form. Initial weight loss is often noticeable within two weeks, particularly when combined with a tailored diet and exercise regimen.

Take Orlistat three times a day, with each main meal that contains fat. If you skip a meal or if the meal contains no fat, you should also skip the dose. It is important to note that the medication is only effective when used alongside a healthy diet.

The package leaflet contains comprehensive information about this product. Ensure you read it before starting the medication.

For which conditions should you use Xenical?

• For overweight or obesity (BMI of 30 or higher, or 28 with associated risk factors such as high blood pressure or diabetes)

Orlistat may also assist with:

• Elevated cholesterol

Do not use Xenical if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Are hypersensitive to orlistat or any of the excipients
• Suffer from chronic malabsorption syndrome
• Have gallbladder problems (cholestasis)
• Are under 18 years of age
• If you use vitamin or mineral supplements, take them before bedtime, as Xenical may reduce the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Inform your prescribing doctor if you are taking other medications, particularly blood thinners, ciclosporin, thyroid medications, or epilepsy treatments. Orlistat may influence the effectiveness of these medications.

Most side effects are related to the fat that is not absorbed and is excreted through the stool. These symptoms are most common at the start of treatment and often diminish over time.

Common (affecting more than 1 in 10 users):

• Flatulence with or without stool
• Sudden or oily diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain
• Oily or fatty stools

Sometimes (affecting less than 1 in 10 users):

• Soft stools
• Urgency to use the toilet
• Bloating

Rarely (affecting less than 1 in 1,000 users):

• Allergic reactions such as itching, rash, or facial swelling

In rare cases, these side effects may lead to severe symptoms, including serious allergic reactions. Always contact a doctor immediately if this occurs.

For a complete list of side effects, refer to the package leaflet.

Effects of short-term treatment with orlistat on growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-I axis in obese post-menopausal women | Journal of Endocrinological Investigation

Orlistat after initial dietary/behavioural treatment: changes in body weight and dietary maintenance in subjects with sleep related breathing disorders | Nutrition Journal

Safety profile of orlistat: results of a prescription-event monitoring study | International Journal of Obesity

Lowering of LDL Cholesterol Rather Than Moderate Weight Loss Improves Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilatation in Obese Women With Previous Gestational Diabetes | Diabetes Care | American Diabetes Association

A systematic review of the clinical effectiveness of orlistat used for the management of obesity - O'Meara - 2004 - Obesity Reviews - Wiley Online Library