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Xenical®
Also called orlistat
Key points about Xenical
- Xenical is used as a weight-loss treatment in people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more.
- Xenical is also called orlistat.
- Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects.
Xenical is a weight-loss treatment that's used, together with a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise, as part of an overall weight-loss plan.
Xenical works on an enzyme in your gut called lipase, which reduces fat absorption in your gut by about 30%. This leads to fewer calories being absorbed, which can help with weight loss when combined with a low-fat, reduced-calorie diet.
Xenical must be taken with a low-fat diet. Eating a meal that has a lot of fat may increase your risk of side effects.
Availability in New Zealand
In New Zealand, Xenical is available on prescription or it can be purchased from pharmacies without a prescription. A pharmacist needs to ask you questions to make sure it is the best option for you and needs to record your name and address.
To use Xenical, you must meet certain criteria depending on your body mass index (BMI) and other health conditions you may have. BMI is calculated using your height and weight. Learn more about BMI.
- Xenical is used in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more.
- It is also used adults with excess weight (a BMI of 27 or more) who also have weight-related medical problems such as pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol (dyslipidaemia) or obstructive sleep apnoea.
Note: Xenical is not funded in New Zealand, which means you'll have to pay for it yourself.
Weight loss medicines are used for weight loss when lifestyle changes such as healthy diet and exercise haven't been successful on their own. A routine of healthy eating and regular exercise can provide lasting weight loss. However, for some people this isn't enough and weight loss medicines may help. Weight loss medicines are not a ‘quick fix’, but a long term option for managing weight when combined with healthy eating and exercise. Read more about weight loss medicines.
Xenical is available as capsules (120mg).
- The usual dose of is 1 capsule up to 3 times a day.
- Take Xenical with liquids while you are having a main meal or up to 1 hour afterwards.
- If you miss a meal or eat a meal that contains no fat, you should skip that dose of Xenical.
If you have any of the following, please discuss your options with your healthcare provider before taking Xenical as it may not be suitable for you:
- chronic malabsorption syndrome
- cholestasis or problems with your gall bladder
- kidney or liver problems
- pregnant or breastfeeding.
Here are some things to know when you're taking Xenical. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.
- Vitamin supplements: Xenical may decrease the amount of some vitamins that your body absorbs from food, you may need to take a multivitamin supplement once a day. Take the vitamin supplement at least 2 hours before or after taking Xenical or at bedtime.
- Have regular checkups with your healthcare team: Having regular checkups every few weeks to months with your healthcare team is important when you’re on Xenical. These visits help to monitor how well the medicine is working and to keep an eye out for any side effects or concerns. Treatment shouldn't be continued for more than 16 weeks if you've not lost more than 5% of your initial body weight.
- Ongoing support when taking weight loss medicines: Managing obesity is about losing weight and focusing on building healthier habits, managing related health issues, improving quality of life, and supporting emotional wellbeing. Having a personalised plan tailored to your needs can be a helpful tool to support you on your weight loss journey. Learn more about ongoing support when taking weight loss medicines.
Like all medicines Xenical can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. If you're concerned about any symptoms you think might be related to your medicine, talk to your healthcare provider. The following information offers some guidance but doesn't include all possible side effects.
Common side effects
Tell your healthcare provider if any of these side effects bother you.
- Fatty or oily stools, wind, farting, stomach cramps, bloating: These usually occur if your diet is too high in fat. Reducing the amount of fat in your diet will help.
- Problems with your teeth and gums.
- Tiredness or fatigue
Tell your healthcare provider immediately or phone Healthline free on 0800 611 116 if these occur
- Signs of problems with your liver such as yellowing of your skin or eyes, dark urine or pain in your abdomen.
- Unexplained bleeding, bruising or blood in your urine.
Phone 111 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) clinic if these occur
- Signs of an allergic reaction such as itchy skin, and rash, swollen lips or tongue, problems breathing, eg, a tight chest or shortness of breath.
Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction you think might be a side effect.
The following links have more information on Xenical:
Orlistat(external link) NZ Formulary Patient Information
Xenical(external link) Medsafe Consumer Information Sheet
Resources
Brochures
5 questions to ask about your medications(external link)(external link) Health Quality and Safety Commission, NZ, 2019 English(external link), te reo Māori(external link)
Apps/tools
References
- Orlistat(external link) NZ Formulary
- Weight loss: the options and the evidence(external link) BPAC, NZ, 2022
Brochures
Medicines and side effects
Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ, 2024
Health Quality and Safety Commission, NZ, 2019 English, te reo Māori
Free helplines
Credits: Sandra Ponen, Pharmacist, Healthify He Puna Waiora. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.
Reviewed by: Angela Lambie, Pharmacist, Auckland
Last reviewed:
Page last updated:
