Orlistat (other brand name Xenical) is a medication, in a capsule form, used to treat obesity. It's designed to be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet.
 

Your Doses

• What you take: Orlistat is an oral capsule
• Dose Frequency: You will take one capsule three times a day.
• Dose Strengths: Orlistat is typically prescribed in one available strength (120mg), and the dosage is regulated by the number of times you take the capsule per day.

How to Take It

• Timing is Key: Always take one capsule with each of your three main meals. You can take it during the meal or up to one hour after eating.
• The Golden Rule: Orlistat only works on meals containing fat. If you skip a meal or have a meal with zero fat, you must skip the dose of Orlistat.
• Start and Side Effects: Since Orlistat is not gradually titrated, you start straight away. Orlistat works best when you also follow a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet. This is critical for two reasons:

1. To Improve Results: The medication is designed to enhance the benefits of a balanced diet.
2. To Minimize Side Effects: Taking a dose with a very high-fat meal will significantly increase the chance of experiencing side effects (see below).

Need Help?

Make sure to read the patient information leaflet that comes with your capsules. Our team is here to help if you have any further questions about your order or how to integrate this treatment into your daily routine.

Orlistat works in your digestive system by acting as a lipase inhibitor. Lipases are enzymes that break down dietary fats (triglycerides) into smaller, absorbable components. Orlistat binds to these enzymes, preventing them from doing their job. As a result, about one-third of the fat you consume is not digested or absorbed by your body and is instead passed out in your stools. This reduction in absorbed calories helps prevent weight gain and promotes weight loss.

The most common side effects of Orlistat (Xenical) are directly related to its mechanism of action (i.e., undigested fat passing through the digestive system). These are often more noticeable if you eat a high-fat meal: