Xenical is used as a weight loss treatment in people with a BMI of 30 or more, together with a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise, as part of an overall weight-loss plan. BMI is calculated using your height and weight. Learn more about BMI.
Xenical prevents the absorption of some of the fat you eat. When taking it, you need to eat a well-balanced diet that is high in fruit and vegetables and with less than 30% of calories from fat. More fat in your diet will increase the side effects of this medicine. Your daily intake of fat, carbohydrates and protein should be spread out over 3 main meals.
In New Zealand, Xenical is available as capsules (120mg). Xenical 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.
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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.
- The usual dose of Xenical 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.
- Because Xenical may decrease the amount of some vitamins that your body absorbs from food, you need to take a multivitamin supplement once a day.
- Take the vitamin supplement at least 2 hours before or after taking Xenical.
- You may also take your multivitamin supplement at bedtime.
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.
Like all medicines, Xenical can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Common side effects are fatty or oily stools, wind, stomach cramps and bloating. These usually occur if your diet is too high in fat.
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
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