Xenical: Weight Loss Medication Explained

Xenical should be used as directed on the label or as recommended by your doctor. You should not take it for longer than prescribed or in different amounts. 

In order to get the best results using Xenical, a tablet should be taken 3 times a day with each meal you have if it has fat in it. If you miss a meal or have a meal that doesn’t have any fat, you should skip your Xenical dose. 

The fat content of your daily diet should be less than 30% of the daily calories you consume. If you have 1500 calories that day, the total fat should not be higher than 450 calories. 

You will need to closely monitor the amount of calories you consume each day and pay attention to the nutritional labels of your food. Your doctor or a nutritionist will be able to help you create a healthy diet that will ensure you don’t consume too many calories including fats.

Your daily intake of fat, protein and carbohydrates should be divided as closely as possible over all of your daily meals. 

You should not share this medication with anyone else. Store at room temperature away from sunlight, heat and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed. If you have any leftover Xenical that has passed the expiration date on packaging, you should throw it away. 

Along with a healthy low fat diet, you should also exercise regularly to increase the chances of losing weight while using Xenical. 

If you also miss a dose, you have up to 1 hour after eating your meal to take it. If it’s been longer than this, you should skip this dosage. Do not take an extra tablet with your next meal to try and make up for the missed dose.

If you have taken an overdose, you should seek medical help right away. Call NHS 111 for advice if you or someone else does not appear to be seriously ill.

If the signs of an overdose are serious, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E department.

Can anyone use Xenical?

Xenical should only be used by people who are classed as obese. Your doctor will only prescribe it to those with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 and over, or 28 kg/m2 and over if you have any health associated risk factors.

It’s not suitable for you if you:

• are breastfeeding

• are pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• have gallbladder problems

• are allergic to Orlistat

Xenical has not been approved to be used by those under the age of 12.

Is Xenical safe for weight loss?

As long as you follow the instructions directed on the label or your doctor’s advice, Xenical should be a perfectly safe treatment option to help you lose weight.

It’s important you meet all the requirements before using. You should be 30 kg/m2 and over, or 28 kg/m2 and over if you have any health associated risk factors. It’s not recommended for anyone under 12 years old.

You should not use Xenical if you’re allergic to any of its ingredients. It’s also not suitable if you’re pregnant as it can make it more difficult for your body to absorb vitamins that are necessary to help your baby develop while in the womb. If you become pregnant, you should stop taking Xenical immediately and let your doctor know.

You should inform your doctor if you’ve ever had any of the following:

• kidney stones

• gallbladder disease

• pancreatitis

• underactive thyroid

• liver disease

• kidney disease

• an eating disorder (anorexia or bulimia).

All medicines have the potential to cause side effects and Xenical can too. Some common side effects from using it include:

• Oily or fatty stools.

• Oily stains on your underwear.

• Orange or brown-coloured oil in your stool.

• Having <u>gas</u>.

• An oily discharge.

• Loose stools, a sudden need to go to the toilet or loss of control of your bowel movements.

• An increased number of bowel movements.

• Stomach pain or rectal pain.

• Feeling nauseous

These are some of the common side effects which are often temporary and may potentially lessen as your treatment continues.

You should stop taking Xenical immediately and contact your doctor if you notice any of the following:

• Severe stomach pain.

• Severe lower back pain.

• Any difficulty, pain or blood in your urine.

• Develop any kidney problems. Signs can include struggling to urinate, swollen feet or ankles, tiredness or shortness of breath.

• Liver problems. Signs can include feeling nauseous, upper stomach pain, itching, feeling fatigued, loss of appetite, dark-coloured urine, clay-coloured stools or jaundice (yellowing skin or eyes).

If you notice any other side effects that you are concerned about, contact your doctor or call 999 if it’s a medical emergency.

You will need a prescription to purchase Xenical. You can complete a quick online medical consultation to get one. 

You can however purchase Orlistat over the counter by the brand name Alli.

Are there any other drugs that will affect Xenical?

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medication:

• amiodarone

• insulin or diabetes medicine like Wegovy

• HIV or AIDS medications

• seizure medicine (especially if the ingredient orlistat makes your seizures worse)

• vitamin or mineral supplements that contain beta-carotene or vitamin E

• a blood thinner like warfarin

Is Xenical or Orlistat better?

The only difference between the two is that Xenical is the branded version. Chemically, they are designed the same way so you will have the same possibility of success using either Xenical or Orlistat.

Xenical will require a prescription to purchase and is more expensive. If you’re on a budget, Orlistat may be the best option for you and this can also be purchased without a prescription.

<u>Contact us</u> if you have any questions about Xenical or have any other medical related questions.