What are Orlistat capsules?
Orlistat (Xenical) is used to help obese people lose weight and keep the weight off while eating a reduced-calorie diet. Orlistat decreases the amount of fat that is absorbed from your diet. Generic orlistat capsules are not yet available.
How should I take Orlistat Xenical?
Orlistat is taken by mouth and swallowed with a drink of liquid. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take orlistat with each main meal that contains about 30% of the calories from fat. Or you can take the capsule one hour after the meal. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. If you occasionally miss a meal or have a meal without fat, you can omit that dose of orlistat. Doses greater than 120 mg three times per day have not been shown to increase weight loss.
What should I watch for while taking Orlistat Xenical?
Watch for any unusual changes in your body’s normal function. You need to watch the amount of fat in your diet. Too much dietary fat can increase the side effects from orlistat. Also, watch for any changes in your eyesight, skin or hair that may be caused by a vitamin deficiency.
What side effects can Orlistats/Xenical cause?
The most common side effect of orlistat is changes in bowel movement (BM) habits. This generally occurs during the first weeks of treatment; however, it may continue throughout your use of orlistat. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- oily, spotting BMs
- gas with discharge
- urgent need to have a BM
- oily or fatty stools
- an oily discharge
- increased number of BMs