What is Xenical and what is it used for?

Xenical is a weight loss medication for adult patients with a BMI over 30 or for those with associated risk factors as such:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• and a BMI above 28.

Xenical works to stop the absorption of fat from your food. By reducing the fat that is absorbed from your diet, Xenical can help you lose weight more easily.

Why does my Body Mass Index (BMI) matter?

For Xenical to be clinically appropriate for you, in most cases your body mass index (BMI) must be over 30.

If you suffer from diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or high cholesterol you are eligible to take Xenical with a BMI of over 28.

What is the difference between Xenical and Orlistat?

Xenical and Orlistat both contain the similar active ingredient Orlistat. Orlistat is also the name of the less expensive brand of Xenical.

Both medications are medically equivalent.

However, Orlistat is available at a lower price. Generic medicines are equally effective as the original. Please consult with your GP to see if this medication is suitable for you.

How should I take Xenical?

The recommended dose of Xenical is one 120mg capsule taken three times a day, before, during or up to 1 hour after each main meal.

If after taking it for 3 months you have not lost any weight, Xenical should be discontinued.

It is advised to consult with your GP first to see if this medication is suitable for you.

What are the side effects of Xenical?

You may likely experience side effects that are usually mild, occur at the beginning of treatment, and particularly after high fat meals.These symptoms will subside as you continue treatment and follow your recommended diet.

The most common side effects:

• Headache
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Urgent or increased need to open the bowels
• Wind, oily discharge or oily/fatty stools.

It is important to take multivitamin supplements of vitamins A, D, E, and K once a day at least 2 hours before or after taking Xenical. Seek advice from your GP to see to it that the supplements are taken according to your suitability.

Information Leaflet

Always read the patient information leaflet before commencing treatment.

• View the patient information leaflet for Xenical 120mg