Xenical is a prescription-only weight loss medication that comes in the form of capsules that you swallow. It contains the active ingredient, orlistat, and is available for overweight and obese adults to help them lose weight alongside a calorie-controlled diet and exercise plan.

What is the difference between Xenical and orlistat?

Xenical is the branded version of generic orlistat. They both contain 120mg of orlistat and work in exactly the same way, but orlistat is cheaper than Xenical.

Xenical works by lowering the amount of fat that is absorbed from the food you eat. It does this by stopping digestive enzymes (lipases) from breaking down the fat in your body. Then, the unabsorbed fat passes through your body and leaves as waste in your stools (poo).

Xenical helps to lower your calorie intake and support weight loss, but it works best and most effectively when combined with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet and increased exercise plan.

When will I see weight loss results with Xenical?

You may see some weight loss within a few weeks of starting Xenical, but most people have noticeable weight loss within the first 12 weeks of treatment. You should aim to lose 1 to 2lbs per week for safe and sustainable weight loss. If you have not lost 5% or more of your starting weight after 12 weeks, your doctor may advise you to stop taking Xenical as it is unlikely to work.

How much weight can I lose on Xenical?

Research shows that after 12 weeks, Xenical tablets help 37% of people lose at least 5% of their starting body weight.

Xenical 120mg capsules should be swallowed whole with water just before, during or up to 1 hour after eating a main meal containing fat. The capsules can be taken up to 3 times a day, which means most people will take 1 capsule at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you do not eat a meal containing fat or skip a meal, you do not need to take a dose of Xenical.

Xenical works best if it is taken alongside a well-balanced calorie-controlled diet where 30% of your calories come from fat. Your daily intake of protein, carbohydrates, and fat should be equally distributed over 3 meals. Xenical will be most effective if you avoid processed fat-containing foods like cakes, biscuits, and savoury snacks between meals.

What is the dosage of Xenical?

The usual Xenical dose is one 120mg capsule taken with each of the 3 main meals per day.

What if I miss a dose of Xenical?

If you forget to take a Xenical weight loss pill, you should take it as soon as you remember, as long as it is within 1 hour of your last meal, then continue to take it as normal. You should not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Xenical capsules are only available with a prescription, so you may be able to get them privately from a reputable online doctor service. Alternatively, a generic version of orlistat may be available on the NHS.

Can I buy Xenical online?

Yes, you can request Xenical online from Superdrug Online Doctor using our fast and discreet service. To get Xenical you need to:

1. Complete an online health questionnaire.
2. One of our doctors will review your treatment request to see if Xenical is right for you.
3. If approved, your medication will be sent by post, or you can choose to collect it from a Superdrug Pharmacy.

Ordering Xenical from us is safe and convenient, meaning you can access weight loss treatment without waiting for a face to face appointment with your GP. You may be able to start treatment as early as the next working day.

Can I buy Xenical over the counter?

No, Xenical is a prescription-only medication, which means you must have a doctor’s approval before you can get it. If you are looking for an over-the-counter weight loss alternative, alli is a weight loss pill that contains 60mg of orlistat and is available without a prescription.

Can I get Xenical on the NHS?

Yes, Xenical may be available on the NHS in some circumstances, but it is more likely that you will be given generic orlistat, which is a cheaper alternative. To qualify for orlistat on the NHS you will need to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above, or at least 28 and other weight-related conditions, like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.

Xenical, like all medications, can cause side effects, but not everyone will get them.

Very common Xenical side effects, affecting more than 1 in 10 people, include:

• headache
• stomach pain
• urgent or more frequent need to poo
• flatulence (wind)
• oily discharge
• oily or fatty stools
• low blood sugar levels if you have type 2 diabetes
• colds and flu

Common Xenical side effects, affecting 1 in 10 people, include:

• rectal pain
• soft stools
• incontinence (bowels)
• bloating
• tooth or gum disorders
• irregular periods
• tiredness
• urine infections
• coughs
• feeling anxious

For a full list of potential Xenical side effects, you should read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication.

How long do Xenical side effects last?

Most side effects will happen within a few days of starting Xenical and improve as your body gets used to the medication and you adjust the amount of fat in your diet. What to do if you get Xenical side effects

Most Xenical side effects are mild and can be managed at home by:

• adjusting your diet so that no more than 30% of your total daily calories comes from fat
• space your meals out evenly across the day, and make sure you have 3 square meals
• increasing your fibre intake if you have loose or oily stools
• stay hydrated, especially if you have diarrhoea
• speak to your doctor or pharmacist about over the counter remedies for bloating, diarrhoea, or oily stools
• keep a food diary to help you spot what foods may be triggering your side effects so that you can avoid them in the future

If you get any of the following serious Xenical side effects, contact your doctor straight away or call 999 in an emergency:

• allergic reaction (itching, difficulty breathing, feeling or being sick)
• skin blisters
• severe stomach pain
• bleeding from the back passage
• yellowing of your skin or eyes

Xenical tablets may not be suitable for everyone.

Do not take Xenical if you:

• are allergic to orlistat or any other ingredients
• have chronic malabsorption syndrome
• have a liver disorder called cholestasis
• are breastfeeding
• are pregnant or trying to get pregnant

Xenical can change the activity of some medications, including the following:

• anticoagulants, such as warfarin
• ciclosporin
• iodine salts or levothyroxine
• amiodarone
• HIV medications
• depression medications
• medications used to treat seizures or epilepsy

Speak to your doctor before taking Xenical if you take any prescribed or over the counter medications, or have any health conditions.

Does Xenical burn existing fat?

No, Xenical does not burn existing fat. Instead, it stops your body absorbing around 33% of the fat you eat, which is then passed out of the body in your stools (poo). Because it blocks fat absorption, it helps your body to create a calorie deficit and start burning stored fat for energy. Xenical works best when it is combined with a diet and exercise plan.

Can I take Xenical with other weight loss medications?

No, you should not take Xenical with other weight loss medications. Combining different weight loss medications can increase the chance of nutritional deficiencies, side effects, and serious adverse events. If you are taking Xenical and feel it is not working as it should, speak to your doctor about alternative weight loss medications.

Is Xenical as good as Ozempic?

No, Ozempic is considered more effective than Xenical, but Ozempic is not licensed for weight loss in the UK. If you are considering weight loss injections, Wegovy would be a more suitable alternative as this is available for weight loss and contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient as Ozempic. The average weight loss on Wegovy is 21% at the highest dose over 72 weeks, compared to 37% of people losing at least 5% of their starting body weight after 12 weeks on Xenical.

Why am I not losing weight with Xenical?

There are several reasons why you may not be losing weight on Xenical including not sticking to a low-fat, reduced calorie diet, hitting a weight loss plateau, or not getting enough exercise. If you are not losing as much weight as you thought you would, speak to your doctor who can discuss your lifestyle and alternative weight loss medications with you.

How do I get the best results with Xenical?

For the best results, Xenical must be taken alongside a reduced calorie, low-fat diet and increased exercise. This will help to reduce the chance of side effects and encourage your body to burn stored fat for energy, resulting in weight loss.

What happens if you take Xenical without eating?

If you take Xenical without eating, you may get side effects, like flatulence, stomach pain, or oily stools, because there is no fat for the active ingredient to bind to. Xenical must be taken with meals that contain fat.

Can Xenical cause constipation?

Constipation is not listed as a side effect in the Xenical patient information leaflet, but some users have reported that they have had it when taking the medication. If you are worried, contact your doctor for more advice.