What is Xenical/Orlistat used for?

This medication together with a reduced calorie diet is used to treat obesity in people with certain risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol or triglycerides.

How should Xenical/Orlistat be stored?

This medication should be stored at room temperature. Keep the medication away from heat and moisture. It is important to keep the bottle tightly closed.

General information

How should I take Xenical/Orlistat?

Read the directions on the prescription label. Do not take larger doses than prescribed by your doctor. Do not take this medication longer than recommended by your doctor. Take this medication as directed on the label or by your pharmacist, doctor, or other healthcare provider. Xenical (orlistat) is part of a complete treatment program including diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow these routines very closely. Daily intake of fat, carbohydrates, and proteins should also be divided over all of your daily meals. Take this medication 3 times a day with a full glass of water (8 ounces) 1 hour after a meal containing an amount of fat no more than 30% of the calories in that meal. If a meal is skipped or does not contain any fat, you can skip your dose of Xenical (orlistat) for that meal. Your doctor, nutrition counselor, or dietitian can teach you how to read labels of all food items and help you develop of healthy eating plan. When taking Xenical (orlistat), your doctor may recommend you to take in vitamin and minermal supplements such as A, D, E, and K because the medication can make it hard for your body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins. After taking Xenical (orlistat), wait at least 2 hours before you take supplements.

When should Xenical/Orlistat not be taken?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to orlistat, have chronic malabsorption syndrome (unable to absorb food and nutrients properly), or have gallbladder problems. If you are a child between the age of 12 to 18, do not use Xenical (orlistat) without an advice of your doctor.

What precautions should I follow when taking Xenical/Orlistat?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care providers about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding; if you are allergic to any drugs; if you have an eating disorder; underactive thyroid; type 1 or type 2 diabetes; history of gallstones or pancreatitis, liver disease; or if you are currently using prescription or over the counter weight loss medications.

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Xenical/Orlistat?

This medication may be misused as a weight loss aid. Keep the medication in a secure place and be aware if any person in the household is improperly using this medication or is using it without a prescription.

What are the side effects of Xenical/Orlistat?

Severe: Symptoms of pancreatitis: severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, and a fast heart rate.

Common: Oily or fatty stools; gas with discharge, an oily discharge; an increased number of bowel movements; weakness, dark urine, clay-colored stools, itching, loss of appetite, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); oily spotting in your undergarm

Other: None.