Patient Information
Xenical ®
(orlistat)

XENICAL is a prescription weight-control medication useful for the long-term treatment of significant obesity.

XENICAL can also help to improve risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar which, if not treated, could lead to other diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. Each XENICAL capsule contains 120 mg of the active substance orlistat, which acts as a lipase inhibitor.

XENICAL is a weight loss medication that targets the absorption of fat in your body rather than suppressing your appetite. It is useful for long term use and has been shown to be effective for 1-2 years. Dietary fats are inhibited from being absorbed and this allows about 30% of the fat eaten in the meal to pass through the gut undigested. This helps you to reduce and maintain your weight, as well as to minimize any weight regain.

XENICAL CONTRA-INDICATIONS

Allergy to Xenical or chronic malabsorption syndromes such as sprue or steatorrhea.
XENICAL is not intended to be used in children or pregnant and nursing women.
XENICAL PRECAUTIONS
This medicine can cause changes in your bowel habits, such as fatty or oily stools, due to the elimination of undigested fat in your stool. XENICAL reduces the absorption of supplements of some fat soluble nutrients, particularly beta-carotene and vitamin E. You should therefore follow your doctor's advice in taking a well balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables.

XENICAL DOSAGE

Xenical is taken with each meal (three times daily). Your daily fat intake should be divided equally between these three meals so you will benefit from Xenical's actions. Your medicine should be swallowed with water.

XENICAL SIDE EFFECT

Loose stools and increased gas or flatulence. These symptoms are generally mild, occur at the beginning of treatment, go away after a short period of time and are particularly experienced after meals containing high levels of fat. Normally, these symptoms disappear if you continue treatment and keep to your recommended diet.