Xenical (Orlistat) 120mg 84 Capsules

The usual recommended dose of Xenical 120mg is to take one capsule three times a daybefore, during or up to one hour after each main meal.

Avoid foods containing fat such as biscuits, chocolate and savoury snacks between meals.

Do not chew the capsule - swallow whole with a glass of water. 

If you miss your meal or have a meal low in fat, you should not take your dose of Xenical pills.

If you have been advised to take a multivitamin preparation, you should take it at bedtime or two hours after taking Xenical

The active substance is orlistat. Each capsule contains 120 mg of orlistat. 

The other ingredients are microcrystalline cellulose (E460), sodium starch glycolate (type A), povidone (E1201), sodium laurilsulfate and talc. The capsule shell consists of gelatine, indigo carmine (E132), titanium dioxide (E171) and edible printing ink.

Side Effects of Xenical

With any medication you take, there is always a risk of side effects. Some are more common than others, and often side effects may subside with the regular usage of the medicine. If the side effects do not subside, you should report them to us, or your GP.

Very common side effects 

• headache

• upper respiratory tract infection

• abdominal pain/discomfort

• urgent or increased need to open the bowels

• flatulence (wind)

• flatulence (wind) with discharge

• oily discharge

• oily or fatty stools

• liquid stools

• increased elimination of stools

• influenza (‘flu’)

• low blood sugar levels (experienced by some people with type 2 diabetes).

Common side effects 

• lower respiratory tract infection

• rectal pain/discomfort

• soft stools

• faecal incontinence (inability to control your bowel movements)

• bloating (experienced by some people with type 2 diabetes)

• tooth/gum disorder • urinary tract infection

• irregularity of menstrual cycle

• tiredness

• anxiety. 

For a full list of side effects, please read the patient information leaflet.