Xenical FAQ

What is Xenical?

Xenical is the brand name of the prescription weight loss drug for dieters, orlistat, that has been approved for use for use as an aid to weight loss in suitable people.

Who is Xenical suitable for?

Xenical may be prescribed to you by a doctor if you have a BMI greater than 30, or you have a BMI greater than 27 together with other risk factors such as elevated levels of cholesterol, high blood presssure, type II diabetes or heart problems. You will need to be prepared to follow a low fat diet, and your doctor may ask you to stop taking Xenical if you have been unable to lose 5% or more of your body weight in the first 12 weeks.

What results can I expect?

In clinical trials, over 3 months 69% of patients lost more than 3% of their initial bodyweight, with an average weight loss of 13 lbs. At the end of one year, the overall average weight loss of the group treated with Xenical was 13.4 lbs, compared with a weight loss of 5.8 lbs in the control group, who were given a placebo.

Will I regain the weight lost?

It has been observed that up to five times as many patients taking Xenical in conjunction with a lower fat diet were able to maintain a weight loss of more than or equal to 10% of their initial body weight at the end of the second year, compared with those patients taking a placebo.

What are the most common side effects?

Because Xenical is a lipase inhibitor, i.e. it prevents the absorption of fat in the intestine, common side effects include flatulence with an oily discharge, oily spotting, oily stools and fecal urgency. This side effects are usually mild and decrease a lot during the second year of treatment.

Will I need to take a vitamin supplement?

Xenical reduces the absoption of some fat soluble vitamins, plus beta carotene. If you are taking Xenical, you should also take a multivitamin tablet that contains vitamins A, D and E, plus beta carotene. This tablet should be taken more that two hours before or after taking Xenical - just before going to bed is a good time to take it.

Can I get it on the NHS?

Yes, this drug has been approved by Nice. If you live in the UK and your doctor believes that you are a suitable candidate for Xenical, he will be able to prescribe it for you on the NHS.

Is it available on private prescription?

Yes, either from a private clinic or online.