Orlistat 120mg Capsules (Generic Xenical)

Do not use if you:

• Are allergic to orlistat or any of the other ingredients in the capsules.
• Have chronic malabsorption syndrome, where your body is unable to absorb nutrients from food properly.
• Have cholestasis, a condition in which bile cannot flow normally from the liver to the digestive tract.
• Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding — Orlistat is not recommended during pregnancy or whilst nursing.

Consult a doctor before use if you:

• Have a history of kidney stones or oxalate nephropathy, as Orlistat may increase the risk of these conditions.
• Are taking warfarin or other anticoagulant medications, as Orlistat may affect how these are absorbed and could alter their effectiveness.
• Are taking medication for diabetes, as the weight loss associated with Orlistat may mean your diabetes treatment needs to be reviewed and adjusted.
• Are taking levothyroxine for a thyroid condition, as Orlistat may reduce its absorption — your doses may need to be taken several hours apart.
• Have a history of eating disorders, as Orlistat should only ever be used as part of a medically supervised weight management programme.

Discontinue use and seek medical attention if:

• You experience severe or persistent abdominal pain, which may indicate a serious gastrointestinal problem such as pancreatitis.
• You notice blood in your urine, pain when urinating, or lower back pain, which may be signs of kidney stones.
• You develop symptoms of liver problems, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusually dark urine, or persistent nausea and fatigue.
• You experience signs of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of the face, lips, or throat, skin rash, or difficulty breathing.

Keep out of reach of children: Orlistat is a medication and must only be used by the person for whom it has been prescribed or recommended. It should always be stored safely away from children.

Not for use in children or adolescents: Orlistat is not approved for use in individuals under 18 years of age and has not been studied in this age group. It should only be used by adults as part of a structured weight management plan.

Dosage:

Orlistat is taken as a capsule three times daily, once with each main meal. It is available in two strengths: 120mg on prescription, or 60mg over the counter. Unlike injectable weight loss treatments, Orlistat works directly within the digestive system to reduce the amount of dietary fat your body absorbs.

Administration:

Swallow one capsule with water during each main meal, or up to one hour after eating. If you miss a meal or your meal contains no fat, you can skip that dose. For best results, Orlistat should be taken consistently alongside a balanced, calorie-controlled diet where no more than 30% of calories come from fat.

Take with food:

Orlistat must be taken with meals that contain fat in order to be effective. Try to spread your daily fat intake evenly across your three main meals rather than consuming it all in one sitting, as this will also help to reduce the likelihood of gastrointestinal side effects.

Do not exceed the prescribed dose:

Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully. Taking more than one capsule per meal will not enhance the effectiveness of the medication and is likely to increase the risk of unwanted side effects. If you miss a dose, simply continue as normal with your next meal. No not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Store properly:

Store Orlistat at room temperature (below 25°C), away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Keep the capsules in their original packaging and out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack.

Active Ingredient:

• Orlistat (120mg per capsule for prescription strength, or 60mg per capsule for over-the-counter use): A lipase inhibitor that works within the digestive tract to prevent approximately one third of the fat consumed in your diet from being absorbed, supporting gradual and sustainable weight loss.

Inactive Ingredients:

• Microcrystalline cellulose
• Sodium starch glycollate
• Povidone
• Sodium lauryl sulphate
• Talc
• Gelatin
• Indigo carmine (E132)
• Titanium dioxide (E171)
• Edible printing ink (for capsule markings)

These inactive ingredients make up the capsule shell and ensure the consistent, stable delivery of orlistat with every dose.

Common Side Effects:

1. Oily or fatty stools: One of the most commonly reported side effects, caused by unabsorbed dietary fat passing through the digestive system — this is actually a sign that the medication is doing its job.
2. Oily spotting on underwear: Unabsorbed fat may leak from the bowel, particularly if your meals are high in fat. Keeping your fat intake within the recommended limits can significantly reduce this.
3. Frequent or urgent bowel movements: You may notice an increased need to use the toilet, especially in the early weeks of treatment as your body adjusts.

Less Common but Serious Side Effects:

1. Liver problems: Orlistat has been associated with liver injury in some cases. Watch for symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusually dark urine, or persistent tiredness, and seek medical advice promptly if any of these develop.
2. Kidney stones (oxalate nephropathy): Orlistat may increase oxalate absorption, which can raise the risk of kidney stone formation. Speak to your doctor if you experience lower back pain or notice blood in your urine.
3. Reduced absorption of fat-soluble vitamins: Extended use of Orlistat may reduce the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K. Taking a daily multivitamin supplement at a different time to your Orlistat dose is generally recommended.

Rare Side Effects:

1. Serious allergic reactions: In very rare cases, Orlistat may trigger a severe allergic reaction, including facial swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing — treat this as a medical emergency and seek immediate attention.
2. Rectal bleeding: Any rectal bleeding or blood in your stools should be reported to your doctor straight away and Orlistat should be stopped until you have been assessed.
3. Pancreatitis: Severe abdominal pain, particularly if it spreads to your back and is accompanied by nausea or vomiting, may indicate pancreatitis and requires prompt medical evaluation.

1. What is Orlistat used for?

Orlistat is prescribed for weight management in adults who are obese or overweight with at least one weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.

2. How is Orlistat taken?

Orlistat is taken orally as a 120mg capsule three times a day, with each main meal that contains fat. It should be taken either during the meal or up to one hour after eating.

3. What doses does Orlistat come in?

Orlistat is available as a 120mg capsule. The recommended dose is one 120mg capsule taken three times daily with each main meal containing fat. A lower strength 60mg capsule is also available over the counter without a prescription.

4. How much weight can I expect to lose with Orlistat?

Clinical trials have shown that patients using Orlistat alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity lost an average of 5-10% of their body weight over one year. Individual results will vary.

5. How long does it take for Orlistat to work?

Orlistat begins working from the first dose, blocking the absorption of dietary fat from each meal it is taken with. Noticeable weight loss results may take several weeks to become apparent.

6. Is Orlistat the same as Xenical?

Yes, generic Orlistat contains the same active ingredient as Xenical and works in exactly the same way. It is bioequivalent to Xenical but is available at a lower cost.

7. Do I need to follow a special diet while taking Orlistat?

Yes, it is recommended that you follow a balanced, reduced-calorie diet that derives no more than 30% of its calories from fat while taking Orlistat. Consuming high-fat meals while taking Orlistat can increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.