Orlistat capsules (Xenical)

Orlistat is a weight loss treatment that targets dietary fat. It is available as a generic medicine or as the branded drug Xenical.

Orlistat differs from appetite suppressants like Mounjaro and Wegovy. Instead of suppressing your appetite, orlistat is a weight loss pill that stops the absorption of some of the fat you eat.

When taken daily, it can significantly reduce the amount of fat stored in the body, leading to weight loss when combined with exercise and a healthy, calorie-controlled diet.

It was first approved by the EMA in July 1998, allowing it to be used in the European Union as a weight loss medication.

At euroClinix, we prescribe orlistat to those with a BMI over 30, or over 28 with a weight-related condition.

Orlistat is known as a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor. These medicines work by preventing the absorption of some of the fats found in the food you eat.

Normally, this excess fat is stored in the body, contributing to weight gain. Orlistat disrupts this process, causing the unabsorbed fat to be excreted in the stool instead. About a third of the fat you eat is lost this way when taking orlistat.

When combined with exercise and a reduced-calorie diet, orlistat can help your body burn stored fat more efficiently, leading to weight loss over time.

By aiding in reducing fat absorption, orlistat can offer several benefits to your health.

• Significant weight loss - daily use of orlistat has been clinically proven to cause substantial weight loss.
• Improved cholesterol levels - by reducing fat absorption, orlistat can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
• Reduces type 2 diabetes risk - research shows that orlistat can help maintain blood glucose levels, reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Can lower blood pressure - weight loss achieved from orlistat can lead to lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• Significant weight loss - clinical research indicates that orlistat specifically targets abdominal fat, reducing waist circumference.

Orlistat has been clinically proven to be an effective weight loss medication.

In one trial, 80 obese patients were randomly selected to receive either one orlistat 120 mg capsule 3 times a day or a placebo. Here are the key findings after 6 months:

Orlistat before and after

• Weight loss - the orlistat group lost an average of 4.65 kg, compared to 2.5 kg for the placebo group.
• BMI - the BMI of the orlistat group reduced by 1.91 (kg/m²) on average, compared to just 0.64 for the placebo group.
• Waist circumference - the waist circumference of the orlistat group was reduced by 4.84 cm on average, compared to a 2 cm reduction in the placebo group

NOTE: Orlistat results are subject to your lifestyle choices and may differ between individuals.

This medication may not be suitable for everyone. When you complete a consultation for weight loss, our UK-registered doctors will be able to determine if this medication is safe for you.

Who can take it?

To get a prescription for orlistat from euroClinix, you must be over the age of 18 and have a BMI over 30, or over 27 with a weight-related condition.

Who cannot take it?

You cannot take orlistat if:

• You are allergic to orlistat or any other ingredient in orlistat
• You have chronic malabsorption syndrome (where food is not absorbed properly)
• You have cholestasis (liver disorder)
• You are breastfeeding

Cautions

Additionally, there are some conditions where the safety of orlistat will need to be determined on a case-by-case basis. Tell your doctor if:

• You have kidney problems
• You have liver problems
• You are breastfeeding

Please disclose your health status during your online consultation with euroClinix. One of our doctors will evaluate whether orlistat is suitable for you and may adjust your medications if needed.

To use orlistat correctly, follow the dosage and treatment course our medical team prescribes. This ensures the drug’s effectiveness and helps avoid side effects.

Keep reading to see some general guidelines on how to take orlistat or its branded version, Xenical.

Dosage

Only one dosage is available: orlistat 120 mg. The recommended dosage is 1 capsule 3 times daily until you reach a healthy BMI.

When do I take it?

Orlistat is best taken either immediately before, during, or up to 1 hour after a meal. If you take it without eating, there won’t be any undigested fat for the medication to bind to, so it won’t have any effect.

You should take 1 capsule at each meal of the day. This will make it easy to remember to take all your capsules and ensure orlistat’s effectiveness.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of orlistat, take it as soon as possible, provided it is within an hour of your last meal. Then, continue to take it as usual.

If it has been more than an hour since your last meal, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Taking more than your doctor has prescribed is dangerous and will not make orlistat more effective.

Orlistat starts working in the body immediately, but it can take a while before you see noticeable results. Significant weight loss is usually seen after taking this medication for longer than 2 months.

How much weight you lose and how quickly depends on how many calories you are eating and how active you are. For the best results, make sure you are eating in a calorie deficit and exercising regularly.

Orlistat is a safe and effective long-term weight loss medication. This means you can take it for as long as it takes to reach a healthy BMI.

However, your doctor may reassess your situation and prescribe alternative treatment if you do not lose at least 5% of your starting body weight after 12 weeks.

Orlistat is only effective if taken alongside a calorie-controlled diet and regular physical activity. Read on to learn how to take orlistat for best results.

• Follow a healthy, calorie-controlled diet - for orlistat to be effective, your diet must be low in saturated fats.
• Create and follow an exercise routine - developing healthy exercise habits will help you maintain a healthy weight when you stop taking orlistat.
• Get all the right nutrients - orlistat can reduce the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Take a multivitamin supplement daily to ensure you don’t miss out on any important nutrients.
• Track your progress - keeping track of how much weight you are losing can give you an idea of how well orlistat is working and allows you to make adjustments when needed.

NOTE: When taking orlistat, it is advised that less than 30% of your daily calorie intake should be fat for your dose to be effective.

For a healthy, low-fat diet, limit your intake of fatty foods like processed meats and cakes. Opt instead for low-fat food options like vegetables and whole grains.

Silvia Fonda Nutritionist

Taking this medicine may produce side effects. Long-term side effects of orlistat are rare. They should normally disappear after a few days.

Neurological

Mild headaches are a common side effect of Xenical. These are usually very mild and do not last for very long.

Liver

Side effects relating to the liver are very rare but there is a slight possibility that they will occur. These include hepatitis and elevated liver enzymes.

Gastric

Gastric side effects are among the most common occurrences for those taking Xenical. Flatulence and increased bowel movements are often reported. Abdominal pain may also occur. Less common is incontinence and rectal pain or bleeding.

Mouth

Some users of Xenical may experience some form of tooth or gum disorder.

Xenical side effects

Click on the relevant area of the body to find out about how it may be affected by Xenical

How to manage side effects

Some side effects of orlistat may require medical help, but some can be managed at home. Here are some of the most common orlistat side effects and some ways to manage them:

• Oily or fatty stools - eat a lower-fat diet to reduce the amount of fat excreted. Fat intake should be no more than 30% of your daily calories and spread over meals.
• Flatulence (wind) with discharge - avoid fried foods and high-fat snacks. Instead, opt for more fruits, vegetables, and grains.
• Stomach pain - stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and avoid caffeine or spicy foods if these cause you stomach issues.

Since orlistat can reduce the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, I recommend patients take a multivitamin at least two hours before or after orlistat. This helps prevent potential vitamin deficiencies, possibly reducing associated side effects.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

For more detailed information, please refer to the patient information leaflet.

Some medicines are not safe to take alongside orlistat. Tell your doctor about any other medication you are taking, including the following:

• Ciclosporine (prevents organ transplant rejection)
• Ketoconazole (treats fungal infections)
• Leflunomide (arthritis medication)
• Lomitapide (treats high-cholesterol)
• Levoketoconazole (used for Cushing’s syndrome)
• Amiodarone (used for irregular heartbeat)
• Blood thinners (e.g. warfarin)
• HIV medications (e.g. atazanavir)
• Acarbose (type 2 diabetes medication).

To store this medicine safely:

• Store below 25°C in its original container
• Keep away from the sight and reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date
• Do not throw away medicines via wastewater or household waste.*

*Take any unused medication to your local pharmacy for proper disposal. These measures help to protect the environment.

No, Xenical can only be obtained with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

Prescriptions are necessary because they:

• Ensure appropriate use for your specific condition.
• Prevent potential misuse and associated health risks.
• Allow for monitoring of side effects and interactions with other medications.

Ordering orlistat online from euroClinix is convenient.

Follow these simple steps:

1. Complete a quick online consultation to check your eligibility.
2. UK-registered doctors review your responses to ensure the medication is right for you.
3. Upon approval, an e-prescription will be issued.
4. Enjoy free delivery from our licensed pharmacy with tracking details.

Your privacy is our top priority. euroClinix uses secure, encrypted transactions and complies with UK medical standards to keep your information confidential.

Start your online consultation today to enjoy professional care from the comfort of your home.

euroClinix is trusted by thousands of British users for its safe and convenient service. Here’s why:

• Experienced doctors manage your consultations and prescriptions.
• Online consultations, quick approvals, and discreet doorstep delivery add to the convenience.
• A supportive team is on hand to answer treatment-related questions or concerns.
• Patients can manage their prescriptions hassle-free through our secure platform.

Join thousands who trust euroClinix for their healthcare needs and take control of your health today.

The price of orlistat at euroClinix includes everything you need:

• Free online consultation with our experienced doctors.
• Free prescription, if approved
• Free delivery straight to your door

Our pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees. Order today and benefit from our complete, all-inclusive service.