XENICAL 120MG CAPSULES 84`S

Orlistat is a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor that works locally in the gut — it is not absorbed systemically. It inhibits gastric and pancreatic lipases, the enzymes responsible for breaking down dietary triglycerides.

By blocking these enzymes, approximately one-third of dietary fat passes through the gut unabsorbed and is excreted in faeces, reducing the caloric contribution of fat to the diet.

Xenical 120 mg is used as part of a calorie-controlled diet and exercise programme for:

•       Weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2), or

•       Overweight adults (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2) with associated risk factors such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidaemia.

One 120 mg capsule is taken three times daily — with each main meal containing fat, or up to one hour after the meal. If a meal is skipped or contains no fat, omit that dose. Swallow the capsule whole with water.

•       Ciclosporin: significantly reduced absorption — avoid combination or monitor levels intensively.

•       Levothyroxine: reduced absorption — separate doses by at least 4 hours; monitor thyroid function.

•       Warfarin: orlistat reduces vitamin K absorption — monitor INR more frequently.

•       Oral contraceptive pill: severe diarrhoea with orlistat can reduce OCP absorption — use additional barrier contraception if diarrhoea occurs.

•       Antiepileptics (lamotrigine, valproate): potential for reduced absorption and seizure breakthrough — consider alternative weight management.

•       Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K): reduced absorption — supplement daily, separated from orlistat by 2 hours.

Store at room temperature below 25°C. Keep in original packaging away from moisture. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use after expiry date.

The GI side effects of orlistat (oily discharge, urgent bowel movements, fatty stools) are directly related to the amount of fat in your diet. They are not a sign of harm — they are the mechanism of the medicine working. The single most effective way to reduce these side effects is to follow a low-fat diet where no more than 30% of daily calories come from fat. Spreading fat intake evenly across meals also helps.

Orlistat is a tool to support a calorie-reduced diet and increased physical activity — it is not a substitute for dietary change. On average, orlistat combined with a reduced-fat diet produces approximately 5–7 kg of additional weight loss over 12 months compared to diet alone.

Take your multivitamin supplement every day, at bedtime, separated by at least 2 hours from orlistat doses. Fat-soluble vitamin deficiency (particularly vitamin D and vitamin K) can develop over time without supplementation.

Orlistat is not absorbed and acts entirely in the GI lumen. The 84-capsule pack provides exactly 4 weeks of treatment (3 capsules/day x 28 days).

Maximal weight loss benefit is seen at 6–12 months; treatment beyond 12 months should be reassessed. Weight loss > 5% after 12 weeks predicts longer-term success; consider discontinuation if < 5% loss at this point. Fat-soluble vitamin supplementation is strongly recommended for all patients — particularly vitamins D and K.

Patients on warfarin: INR changes are unpredictable; more frequent INR monitoring is warranted. Ciclosporin interaction: highly variable reduction in ciclosporin levels reported — avoid concomitant use if at all possible. For patients on levothyroxine: separate doses by at least 4 hours and recheck TSH after initiating or stopping orlistat.

Why do I have oily leakage from my bowel?

This is a direct result of unabsorbed fat passing through your gut. It means the medicine is doing its job. The best way to reduce this side effect is to reduce the fat content of your meals. Spreading fat evenly across the day, rather than having one high-fat meal, also helps.

Do I need a multivitamin?

Yes — orlistat reduces the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) from food. Take a daily multivitamin supplement at bedtime, separated from your orlistat doses by at least 2 hours, to prevent deficiency.

Will orlistat affect my contraceptive pill?

If you experience severe diarrhoea while taking orlistat, the absorption of the oral contraceptive pill can be reduced. Use additional barrier contraception (condoms) on any day you have diarrhoea and for 7 days after.

How much weight should I expect to lose?

On average, adding orlistat to a reduced-fat diet produces approximately 3–5% additional weight loss compared to diet alone over 12 months. The amount varies considerably between individuals — those who most strictly reduce dietary fat tend to lose the most.

Can I take orlistat long-term?

Yes — orlistat can be used for up to 4 years in clinical trials. Annual review with your doctor to assess continued benefit and safety is recommended. Most prescribers reassess after 12 weeks — if you have not lost at least 5% of your starting weight, continuing is unlikely to be effective.