Xenical

What is Xenical?

Xenical is a prescription-only weight loss medication designed for adults managing obesity or overweight conditions. The active ingredient in Xenical is orlistat. It is supplied as a 120mg hard capsule. Xenical is intended for use alongside a nutritionally balanced, mildly calorie-reduced diet.

All requests for the supply of prescription medication at UK Meds are subject to an online clinical consultation, and the decision to prescribe is made by a registered prescriber. This ensures the treatment is appropriate for your specific health needs.

A Doctor's Overview

GP and surgeon, Dr Shane Charles (MBBS, MRCS, PgDip SEM) provides a simple explanation of the medication below: 'Xenical is an agent used to promote weight loss by reducing the activity of the enzymes that result in fat breakdown and absorption in the gut (lipases). '. If you think this is a treatment that can help you, start an online consultation now for a registered prescriber to review. If treatment is deemed suitable, they can prescribe it, and we can deliver it to you from the comfort of your own home with a range of convenient delivery and payment options for you to choose from. If you have any questions about a medication, you should always consult your doctor with any questions prior to starting treatment, to ensure that it is safe and suitable for you.

Patient Information Leaflet

For more information on the prescription medication patients should refer to the Xenical patient information leaflet.

How Does Xenical Work?

Xenical works by targeting the absorption of dietary fat in your body. The active ingredient, orlistat, acts as a reversible inhibitor of gastrointestinal lipases. This means it blocks the enzymes in your stomach and small intestine that break down fat.

When you take a Xenical capsule with a meal, it prevents approximately 30% of the fat in that meal from being absorbed. The undigested fat is then naturally eliminated from your body through your bowel movements. Xenical does not suppress your appetite or affect your brain chemistry.

Who Can Take Xenical?

Xenical may be prescribed to adults aged 18 and over who meet specific body mass index (BMI) criteria. It is typically considered for individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher. It may also be appropriate for those with a BMI of 28 or higher who have additional weight-related risk factors, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.

This medication is not suitable for everyone. You must not take Xenical if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have chronic malabsorption syndrome. Please read the patient information leaflet (PIL) carefully before starting any new treatment.

How to Take Xenical Capsules

For the best results, you should take Xenical exactly as directed by your prescriber. The recommended dose is one 120mg capsule taken with water immediately before, during, or up to one hour after each main meal.

You should aim to take Xenical up to three times a day. If you miss a meal, or if you eat a meal containing no fat, you should skip your dose of Xenical. Taking more than the recommended dose will not provide additional weight loss benefits.

FitXpress - What is it and how does it work?

Our Commitment to Keeping You Safe on Your Weight Loss Journey

FitXpress is an AI-powered, live-photo BMI verification system that ensures accurate, tamper-proof body measurements to support safe and compliant online prescribing of weight-loss medications.

Learn more about the FitXpress process.

How do I use FitXpress?

To order your chosen weight loss treatment from UK Meds you need to complete a FitXpress body scan. Here is how this process works:

1 - Select your preferred weight loss treatment from the UK Meds website.

2 - Complete our online consultation form and submit your order.

3 - You will receive an email from us prompting you to complete your FitXpress scan. Click the link in the email.

4 - Select your desired photo mode. This is either taking photos yourself, or getting someone to help you. If you select "Take Photos Myself", using the voice assistant can make your experience much easier.

5 - Take a full-body front-facing photo, and a full-body side-profile photo.

6 - Submit your photos.

7 - These photos will be reviewed by FitXpress.

7a - If your photos fail, you will receive an email explaining why, with a prompt to retake your photos.

7b - If your body scan has passed the FitXpress assessment your consultation will be reviewed by a GMC-registered doctor. If approved, your order will be processed and dispatched to your delivery address. 

Top Tips For Using FitXpress

• During your consultation, make sure you update your weight.
• Avoid baggy or loose clothing.
• Stand in a well-lit area, avoiding strong backlighting. Natural light works best.
• Stand against a plain background (white or light-coloured walls are ideal). 
• Make sure your photos include your whole body and match the silhouette.
• Stand straight with your arms in an 'A' pose for the front photo and relaxed by your side for the side photo.
• Make sure the camera angle is correct.
• If you are struggling to take the photos yourself, try using the voice assistant to help. It makes the process much easier.

Xenical Side Effects and Precautions

Like all medicines, Xenical can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The most common side effects are related to the digestive system and are a direct result of how the medication works. Eating meals high in fat can increase the likelihood of experiencing these effects.

Common side effects include abdominal pain, urgent need to open the bowels, flatulence with discharge, and oily or fatty stools. If you experience severe or persistent side effects, such as rectal bleeding or severe upper stomach pain, you should seek urgent medical help.

A pharmacist's overview of the side effects of this medication and how to manage them:

Independent pharmacist and Clinical Safety Officer, Monalisa Kapinga provides a simple explanation of the common side effects of the medication and how you can manage them: Xenical may cause a range of digestive, skin, and systemic side effects, most of which are manageable with dietary changes and monitoring. Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and general gastrointestinal discomfort are common early in treatment - stick to a low-fat diet and eat smaller meals to minimise symptoms. Escalate if pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by vomiting or fever. Headaches can often be relieved by staying hydrated and eating regularly; seek review if severe or persistent. Tooth and gum problems may improve with good oral hygiene and adequate vitamin intake. Menstrual changes and fatigue should be monitored -track your cycle and ensure a balanced diet; seek review if periods stop or fatigue worsens. Low blood sugar may occur, particularly in those with diabetes - monitor regularly and keep a fast-acting sugar source on hand. Serious side effects like rectal bleeding, gallstones, diverticulitis, skin blistering, hepatitis, kidney issues, or pancreatitis require stopping Xenical and seeking prompt medical help. If you’re taking blood thinners like warfarin, tell your doctor before starting Xenical as you may need more frequent blood tests. In the case of allergic reactions (rash, itching, breathing difficulty), stop the medicine immediately and seek emergency care.

Are There Alternatives to Xenical?

Yes, there are alternative weight management treatments available. If Xenical is not suitable for you, a prescriber may suggest other options during your consultation. Alternative oral capsules include generic Orlistat and Alli (a lower-strength, over-the-counter version).

There are also injectable weight loss treatments available subject to consultation. It is important to discuss your medical history fully so that our healthcare professionals can recommend the safest approach for your individual needs.

Please note: All requests for the supply of prescription medication at UK Meds are subject to an online clinical consultation, and the decision to prescribe is made by a registered prescriber. A clinician may recommend one treatment over another based on your individual medical history, existing conditions, and current medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Xenical?

Xenical is a prescription-only weight loss medication containing the active ingredient orlistat. It is used to help adults with obesity or weight-related conditions lose weight when combined with a reduced-calorie diet. All requests for the supply of prescription medication at UK Meds are subject to an online clinical consultation, and the decision to prescribe is made by a registered prescriber.

How does Xenical work?

Xenical works by attaching to the enzymes in your digestive system that break down fat. This prevents your body from absorbing approximately one-third of the fat from the meals you eat. The unabsorbed fat is then passed out of your body naturally in your stools.

Can I buy Xenical online in the UK?

Yes, you can request Xenical online through a trusted private prescription service like UK Meds. You will need to complete an online health consultation. A registered prescriber will then assess your suitability before any medication is approved or supplied.

Do I need a prescription for Xenical?

Yes, Xenical 120mg is a prescription-only medicine in the UK. You cannot purchase it over the counter. You must have a valid prescription from a registered healthcare professional, which can be provided following a successful online consultation through our service.

How long does it take for Xenical to work?

Xenical begins working in your digestive system within 24 to 48 hours of taking your first dose. You may start to see changes in your weight within the first few weeks, provided you are strictly following a mildly hypocaloric, low-fat diet alongside the treatment.

What should I eat while taking Xenical?

You should follow a nutritionally balanced, slightly calorie-reduced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Your daily intake of fat, carbohydrates, and protein should be distributed evenly across three main meals. Avoid meals that are very high in fat to minimise digestive side effects.

What are the most common side effects of Xenical?

The most common side effects are digestive. These include oily or fatty stools, an urgent need to use the toilet, wind (flatulence) with discharge, and oily spotting. These effects are usually mild and can often be managed by reducing the fat content in your meals.

Who should not take Xenical?

Xenical is not suitable for everyone. You should not take it if you are allergic to orlistat, pregnant, or breastfeeding. It is also contraindicated for individuals with chronic malabsorption syndrome or cholestasis. Always provide full medical details during your consultation.

Can I get Xenical on the NHS?

Xenical may be available on the NHS for certain individuals who meet strict clinical criteria set by NICE. You would need to discuss this directly with your own GP. Alternatively, you can use a private service like UK Meds to request treatment following a consultation.

Is Xenical the same as Orlistat?

Yes, Xenical is a branded version of the medication. Orlistat is the active ingredient inside the capsule. Both the branded Xenical and generic Orlistat contain 120mg of the active drug and work in exactly the same way to block fat absorption.

What happens if I miss a meal while on Xenical?

If you miss a main meal, or if you eat a meal that contains absolutely no fat, you should not take your dose of Xenical. The medication only works by blocking the absorption of dietary fat, so it has no effect if no fat is consumed.

Can Xenical interact with other medications?

Yes, Xenical can interact with certain medicines, including ciclosporin, oral anticoagulants (like warfarin), and some antiepileptic drugs. It may also affect the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Always declare all medications you are currently taking during your online consultation.

When should I seek urgent medical help?

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face. You should also contact a doctor urgently if you notice rectal bleeding, severe stomach pain, or signs of kidney problems.

More Information

• What to eat when taking Orlistat?