How does Orlistat work?

Orlistat prevents your intestines from absorbing some of the fat from the food you eat. When taken 3 times per day with meals, orlistat blocks about one-third of the fat you eat from being absorbed. Instead, this fat passes through your intestines and is excreted in your stool. When you absorb less fat, you take in fewer calories, which causes weight loss.

What is Orlistat used for?

Orlistat is prescribed to help people who are obese (those with a body mass index [BMI] of 30 or higher) to lose weight. It may also be prescribed for people with BMIs of 27 or higher when they have other conditions (such as diabetes or sleep apnea) that are made worse by being overweight.

Orlistat is designed to be used along with a reduced-calorie diet, which is a diet that includes no more than 30% of its calories from fat. A regular exercise program is also an important part of any weight-loss treatment plan.

How to take Xenical?

Take a capsule of Xenical during, or up to 1 hour after, each main meal. You should follow a nutritionally balanced, low-calorie diet that provides no more than 30 percent of its calories from fat. If you miss a meal, or the meal contains no fat, you can skip the accompanying dose of Xenical.

• If you miss a dose...
  Resume taking Xenical at the next meal. Don't try to make up the loss with a double dose. The extra drug won't help.

• Storage instructions...
  Store at room temperature, in a tightly sealed container.

Side Effects

Side effects of Xenical are more common during the first year of treatment. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Xenical.

Side effects may include Abdominal discomfort or pain, anxiety, arthritis, back pain, diarrhea, dizziness, earache, fatigue, fatty or oily stools, fecal urgency or incontinence, flu, gas with fecal discharge, gum problems, headache, increased defecation, menstrual problems, muscle pain, nausea, oily discharge, rectal discomfort or pain, respiratory tract infections, skin rash, sleep problems, tooth problems, urinary tract infections, vaginal inflammation, vomiting

Side effects that usually occur after the first year of treatment with Xenical include: depression, leg pain, swollen feet, and tendonitis.

* Please note that product shipped might have different packaging than shown above.