Xenical (orlistat) guide
How to time 120 mg orlistat with meals, manage gastrointestinal effects, and review whether treatment should continue.
How to use
- 01
Step 1
Take 120 mg with a fat-containing main meal
Take one capsule immediately before, during, or up to one hour after each main meal that contains fat. If the meal is missed or contains no fat, omit that dose.
- 02
Step 2
Distribute dietary fat
Follow the balanced, reduced-calorie eating plan agreed with your clinician and spread fat across the main meals. A high-fat meal makes bowel effects more likely; do not take extra capsules to compensate.
Dose schedule
- 01
Step 1
Each main meal
Use no more than one 120 mg capsule per qualifying main meal. Separate a multivitamin containing vitamins A, D, E, and K by at least two hours, often at bedtime, if recommended.
- 02
Step 2
Twelve-week review
The prescriber reviews weight change, side effects, adherence, nutrition, and interacting medicines. EU product information advises stopping if the expected response threshold has not been reached.
Side effects
Bowel effects
Oily spotting, wind with discharge, urgency, fatty stools, and more frequent bowel movements are common, especially after high-fat meals. They often improve when dietary fat is distributed and reduced.
Vitamins and interactions
Orlistat can reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and affect medicines including ciclosporin, warfarin or other anticoagulants, levothyroxine, some epilepsy medicines, and some HIV treatments. These require a specific plan.
04 · When to contact your doctor
Contact your doctor if
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain, vomiting, yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or a severe allergic reaction
- Rectal bleeding, severe diarrhoea, symptoms of kidney stones, or bowel effects that are difficult to manage
- You start an anticoagulant, ciclosporin, levothyroxine, epilepsy medicine, or another medicine with an absorption concern
Storage
Keep in the original package, away from moisture and direct heat, and out of children's reach. Follow the temperature limit on your pack and do not use it after the expiry date.
What to expect
Orlistat reduces absorption of some dietary fat; it does not suppress appetite and does not work without the agreed nutrition plan. Progress is reviewed after 12 weeks and at intervals thereafter. Results vary, and continuation depends on response, tolerance, and clinical suitability.