Orlistat (Generic Xenical) Capsules

What is orlistat?

Orlistat is a weight loss medication that can work with your diet to help you to meet your weight loss goals. If you have a BMI of 30 or over and are looking for something that will help make your healthy diet work a little harder, orlistat could be the product for you.

How to take these capsules

Follow the directions given to you by your doctor carefully. The usual dose you will be prescribed is one 120mg orlistat capsule three times a day, one with every meal. You can take your capsule immediately before, during, or up to one hour after a meal. Swallow the capsule with water. Your doctor will usually stop treatment if you have not lost at least 5% of your body weight after 12 weeks of taking this product.

How will orlistat help me to meet my weight loss goals?

Orlistat works by clinging to the enzymes in your digestive system and keeping them from absorbing and digesting the fat that’s in your food. This helps to reduce the amount of fat you absorb by around a third, letting the undigested fat pass from your body instead. This helps you to meet your weight loss goals by making your healthy diet choices go further.

Do I have to change my diet while I’m taking this medication?

Orlistat is at its best when used alongside a calorie-controlled, low-fat diet. For best results, you should aim to have an average of 30% fat in your diet, which is spread across each of your meals evenly. If you eat food with a higher fat content, then you may be more likely to experience side effects such as oily, fatty stools, or flatulence with discharge.

Do I have to be a certain BMI to take this product?

Orlistat is designed to be used by those who have a BMI of 30 or over, or those with associated risk factors (such as diabetes) who have a BMI of 28 or over. If you’re not sure what your BMI is, you can use an online calculator, like the one on the NHS website, to find out whether this product is suitable for you. If you’re not sure whether you should be taking orlistat, always speak to your doctor or pharmacist and get their advice.

Can I take this product if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not take orlistat. If you’re concerned about your weight during pregnancy, or are unsure which medication is safe for you at this time, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Will this medication affect my contraception?

There is a chance that you may experience severe diarrhoea while taking orlistat, and this can sometimes cause the failure of oral contraceptives like the pill. This is why we recommend using a second form of contraception as well as the pill while you’re taking orlistat, just to be sure that you’re protected if the pill fails.

Can I take these capsules if I’m taking other medication?

If you’re taking any other medication, including those obtained without a prescription, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product. This especially applies if you are taking:

• Anticoagulants, or blood thinners, such as warfarin
• Ciclosporin
• Iodine salts and/or levothyroxine, which are both used to treat thyroid gland problems
• Amiodarone, which is used to treat irregular heartbeat
• Medications used to treat HIV
• Antiepileptics
• Acarbose, which is used to treat type 2 diabetes

When should this product not be used?

Orlistat is not suitable for use in children. Do not use this product if you are allergic to orlistat or any of the other listed ingredients. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you have kidney problems. Do not take this product if you have:

• Chronic malabsorption syndrome
• Cholestasis (liver disorder)

Does orlistat have any side effects?

Like all medication, orlistat can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. The most common side effects of this product include:

• Headaches
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Urgent or increased need to poo
• Flatulence (wind) with or without discharge
• Oily discharge, oily or fatty stools
• Liquid stools
• Low blood sugar levels, which may be experienced by those with type 2 diabetes
• Upper respiratory infections
• Flu
• Rectal pain or discomfort
• Soft stools
• Incontinence (stools)
• Bloating, which may be experienced by those with type 2 diabetes
• Tooth or gum disorder
• Irregularity of your menstrual cycle
• Tiredness
• Anxiety
• Lower respiratory infections
• Urinary tract infections

For a full list of potential side effects, please see the patient information leaflet included with your medication. If you experience these or any other side effects while using this product, stop use and speak to your doctor or pharmacist. For more information about reporting the side effects of medication, please see the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme.

Do I need a prescription for Orlistat 120mg?
You do need a prescription for this Orlistat 120mg in the UK. Our healthcare professionals can provide prescriptions if they think this treatment would be right for you and your condition. When you click the button which reads “Start Consultation” at the top of this page, you’ll see a short questionnaire set up by our healthcare team which is designed to help them understand your medical needs. Just like an in-person consultation with your GP, our doctors will assess your answers to their questions and write a prescription for the treatment they think will be best for you. You’ll then be able to pay for your medication and we’ll send it out to you quickly and in discreet packaging.

How to store this product

Store in a cool, dry place which is below 25 degrees C. Do not use if the expiry date printed on the original packaging has passed. Keep out of sight and reach of children.

Important information

This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.

Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.

Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.

Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.

Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction

For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.

If you are concerned about addiction to medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:

NHS Help & Advice on Drug Addiction

Talk To Frank - Drug Addiction Help & Support