Xenical 120mg
Xenical is a prescription-only weight loss medication that could help you lose more than 10% of your weight in 1 year
Prices from £59.95
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Xenical is a weight loss medication containing 120mg of the active ingredient, orlistat. Xenical works by stopping some of the fat you eat from being absorbed. It should be taken 3 times a day with meals that contain fat. Because of the way the medication works, it is typically prescribed alongside the instruction to follow a balanced diet and exercise routine.
Studies have shown Xenical to help patients lose more than 10% of their starting weight after just 1 year of treatment.
Are you already using ZAVA’s weight loss service?
Already using ZAVA weight loss service but unsure whether to order Xenical? We have a list of frequently asked questions about our service for you to read if you need any extra information:
About Xenical
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Xenical is a prescription pill for weight loss. It is a branded version of orlistat, and is available in a dosage of 120mg per pill. Xenical works by stopping your body from absorbing some of the fat from your meals, which is instead passed out of your body as stools.
Xenical is an effective weight loss pill, and alongside dieting and exercise it can help you lose up to or more than 10% of your body weight within just 1 year of treatment.
What is another name for Xenical?
Xenical is a branded version of orlistat, and is available on prescription at a dosage of 120mg. alli is another branded version of orlistat that is only available at a dose of 60mg, but you can get it without a prescription.
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Xenical weight loss pills work by changing the way your body digests and absorbs fat. It blocks around a third of the dietary fat from being absorbed from the food you eat. This helps you lose weight, as the fat is passed out of your body through your stools instead of being absorbed into your body.
What does Xenical do to your body?
Xenical tablets belong to a group of medications called “lipase inhibitors”. These medications block an enzyme in your intestine called lipase, which is responsible for digesting dietary fat. This prevents your body from absorbing some of the fat in your food. Instead, the fat is passed out of your body as stool waste.
How long does Xenical take to work?
Xenical can start working within a few days but it may take 2 weeks or longer for you to start seeing results. You should expect some weight loss results within the first 3 months of taking Xenical.
Speak to your doctor if you have not lost at least 5% of your starting body weight (your weight at the start of treatment), after taking Xenical for 3 months. This means Xenical may not be working for you and they may suggest an alternative weight loss medication instead.
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Xenical clinical trials found that people can lose more than 10% of their body weight within 12 months of treatment alongside a diet and exercise plan. Additionally, it was found that 37% of people lost 5% or more of their starting weight within 12 weeks of starting treatment.
How much weight can you lose on Xenical in a month?
You can expect to lose 2kg to 4kg in the first month when you start taking Xenical tablets. Some people can lose more, others may lose less. These results vary from person to person, based on factors such as your starting weight, underlying medical conditions, and how well you keep up with other complementary lifestyle changes such as dieting and exercise.
How long does it take to see results from Xenical?
Xenical starts to work within 1 to 2 days after first taking it, but you may not see results straight away. Some patients notice visible weight loss after 2 weeks of taking Xenical, though it may take a little longer depending on your body and lifestyle changes. Most patients say they see the best results in the first 3 months of taking Xenical.
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Xenical is a prescription-only medication, so it can only be bought with a prescription in the UK. You can request Xenical online from UK-registered providers regulated by the CQC and MHRA, like ZAVA.
Avoid buying Xenical from online services that offer Xenical without a prescription. These websites could be selling fake medicines which are potentially unsafe and are a waste of money too, as they may not work.
How to buy Xenical online?
You can buy Xenical online safely and legally from trusted websites such as ZAVA Online Doctor. To buy Xenical online from us, you’ll first have to complete a short online questionnaire about your health. This helps our doctors make sure Xenical is safe and appropriate for you. If it is, one of our doctors will provide you with a prescription. From there, you can choose to have your treatment delivered to you fast and discreetly to your door in as little as 24 hours.
Can you buy Xenical over the counter?
No, Xenical is a prescription-only medication, so you cannot get it over the counter without a doctor’s prescription.
alli is a weight loss medication that uses the same active ingredient as Xenical but at a lower dosage. alli contains 60 mg of orlistat and is available over the counter at most pharmacies in the UK. You can also get alli online through ZAVA Online Doctor.
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Swallow 1 tablet of Xenical after every main meal that contains fat, up to 3 times per day. This is usually at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You should swallow your capsules whole with water. If you eat a meal that doesn’t contain fat, you shouldn’t take Xenical.
Who can use Xenical?
Xenical is recommended for people:
- with a BMI of over 30kg/m2
- with a BMI of over 28kg/m2, and other medical conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure
- who have tried other weight loss options like diet and exercise but have been unsuccessful
Our doctors will take your BMI and medical history into consideration and may prescribe off-label when making a decision about treatment.
When should I take Xenical?
You should take Xenical tablets with every main meal that contains fat, up to 3 times per day.
You can take Xenical immediately before, during or up to 1 hour after a main meal containing fat. Do not take Xenical if you miss a meal or the meal doesn’t contain fat.
What is the best way to use Xenical?
“The best way to use Xenical is alongside complementary lifestyle changes that can help you lose weight. Keep your dietary fat consumption at around 30% of your daily calorie intake, then split this evenly between your 3 main meals alongside Xenical. Working with your doctor or another weight loss specialist to create a calorie-controlled diet plan and exercise routine will make Xenical even more effective in helping you lose weight.” – Dr Brenda Ikeji, Medical Editor.
How long can you take Xenical for?
You typically take Xenical for 3-6 months, but it can be prescribed for up to a year in some cases. It is thought that there is no time limit on how long you can safely take Xenical, as long as you are seeing positive results from it. However, you should not continue to take Xenical longer without an assessment with your doctor.
Can you skip a day on Xenical?
You only need to take Xenical after eating a meal that contains fat, so if you go for a day without eating a fatty meal then you could skip a day of Xenical. Otherwise, skipping days of Xenical is likely to have less of an effect on your weight loss journey than taking it every day, especially if you’re eating fatty meals.
If you accidentally skip or miss your Xenical dose, take it as soon as you remember as long as it is within an hour of your last meal, then continue your next dose as usual. If it is outside this time or you miss several doses, inform your doctor for further advice. Do not change your dose yourself or take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
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There is no such thing as a “normal” BMI, though there is a range that is defined as “healthy.” A healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. You are classed as overweight if your BMI is between 25 and 29.9, and obese if your BMI is above 30.
Xenical is usually only prescribed to those who are obese, or who have a BMI of 30+. In some cases, Xenical may be prescribed to those who have a BMI of 28, such as if they have high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.
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Xenical is only available at a dosage of 120mg. This dosage is taken 3 times a day with each meal containing fat, for a maximum daily dosage of 360mg of Xenical per day.
Xenical is a branded version of orlistat, which is also available at a dose of 60mg under the brand name alli. This medication is exactly the same as Xenical but is slightly less effective for weight loss because it’s a lower dosage.
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This price includes a prescription and a free weight loss support pack, with access to your patient account where you can message a doctor for free if you need further support while taking Xenical.
Xenical 120mg may have a different price depending on where you get it. If you get a Xenical prescription through our online service, the cost of is:
Cost Price per Pill 84 capsules (4 week supply) £59.95
£0.71
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The main benefits of Xenical include:
- weight loss
- lower BMI
- lower cholesterol levels
- reduced risk of weight-related health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and more
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Like with all medicines, there is a risk of developing side effects when taking Xenical, although not everyone will experience them.
Some very common Xenical side effects are:
- headache
- stomach discomfort
- urgency to empty your bowels
- an increased need to empty your bowels
- oily or fatty stools
- oily discharge
- low blood glucose (in people with type 2 diabetes)
- passing wind often with discharge
- liquid stools
Some common Xenical side effects are:
- pain in the anal area
- bloating (in some people with type 2 diabetes)
- tiredness
- tooth or gum disorder
- soft stools or diarrhoea
- incontinence (stools)
- irregular menstrual cycle
If you experience any side effects (including those not listed above) that are persistent, are bothersome or begin to affect your daily life you should consult your doctor. If you experience any allergic reactions when taking Xenical, consult your doctor immediately or call 999 in an emergency. Some common allergic reaction signs are:
- difficulty breathing
- itching and skin rash
- wheals (patches on the skin)
- nausea and vomiting
- feeling unwell
Other side effects have been reported but not enough to determine a frequency (e.g. common or uncommon). For a full list of side effects, please refer to the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication.
Xenical can also reduce the absorption of some fat-soluble nutrients, which is more likely when taking it for a long time. These include beta-carotene and vitamin E. Follow your doctor’s advice on a well-balanced diet or discuss whether you’d benefit from taking a vitamin supplement.
Who should not take Xenical?
Do not take Xenical if you:
- are allergic to any of its ingredients
- have cholestasis (a liver condition)
- have chronic malabsorption syndrome
- are breastfeeding
If any of the following apply to you, inform your doctor before taking Xenical as you may need to make certain adjustments:
- taking medicines for diabetes
- taking medicines for high cholesterol
- chronic kidney disease – orlistat use may be associated with renal stones in people with this condition
- if you are using the contraceptive pill*
- if you have a high daily fat intake (the risk of side effects is increased with a high fat intake)
*Although Xenical doesn’t interact with how the oral contraceptive pill works, women taking it who get side effects such as diarrhoea or frequent loose stools may need to use an additional form of contraception until these side effects pass. Diarrhoea can prevent oral contraception from being as effective, especially if it lasts several days or longer.
Drug interactions with Xenical
You should always inform your doctor of all medicines you are currently taking or have taken recently, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.
The following medicines may interact with Xenical tablets:
- anticoagulants (Warfarin)
- ciclosporin – your doctor may need to monitor your blood levels more frequently
- thyroid medicines like iodine salts or levothyroxine
- medicines to treat HIV
- medicines for depression or anxiety
- Amiodarone for treating heart rhythm disorders
- antiepileptic medicines
- antidiabetic medicines (Acarbose)
Can I take Xenical if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
No, you must not take Xenical if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because the medicine could harm your (unborn) child. Inform your doctor before taking Xenical if you are planning to become pregnant.
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Xenical is an effective weight loss treatment but it may not be right for you. Fortunately, there are alternative weight loss medications available to help you.
Orlistat vs Xenical
Xenical tablets are a branded version of Orlistat, meaning they are the same medication and work in the same way. The only difference between Xenical and Orlistat is the name on the box, the manufacturer and the price.
Xenical vs alli
Xenical and alli are both branded versions of orlistat, which means they work in the same way. However, alli is only available at the lower dosage of 60mg, while Xenical is available at 120mg. Because it is a higher dosage, Xenical is more effective for most people than alli.
Unlike Xenical, alli is available over-the-counter, while Xenical requires a prescription before you can get it.
Xenical vs Wegovy
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a weight loss injection that works differently from Xenical tablets. While Xenical helps you lose weight by changing how your body absorbs fat, Wegovy works by reducing your appetite and keeping food in the stomach for longer to promote feelings of fullness. This helps you lose weight by reducing your calorie intake, as you don’t need to eat as much to feel full.
Wegovy might be a good alternative if you do not like swallowing tablets, or if Xenical is not safe for you to take.
Xenical vs Mounjaro
Mounjaro is another weight loss injection like Wegovy that contains tirzepatide as the active ingredient. It also works by reducing your appetite and delaying the emptying of your stomach, so you’ll feel fuller for longer while following a diet plan and reducing your calorie intake to lose weight. While Xenical is a pill taken 3 times per day, Mounjaro is an injection that comes in an injectable pen with pre-filled doses and only needs to be taken once a week.
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Xenical and Mysimba are both weight loss pills but they work in very different ways. While Xenical reduces fat absorption, the active ingredients in Mysimba (bupropion and naltrexone) work on the energy centres in the brain to reduce your appetite. Mysimba is taken on an increasing dosage schedule to a maximum daily dose of 2 tablets, twice a day.
Active Ingredient(s) Price Orlistat (Pill) Orlistat
from £24.99
Xenical (Pill) Orlistat
from £59.95
Mysimba (Pill) Naltrexone and Bupropion
from £99.00
Wegovy (Injection) Semaglutide
from £139.00
Mounjaro (Injection) Tirzepatide
from £139.00
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Xenical reviews by patients show that it is rated:
These ratings were correct at the time of writing this page and are patient, personal reviews of the medication.
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Yes, Xenical is a good option for weight loss, especially when used alongside complementary lifestyle changes like dieting and exercise. Xenical is highly effective for weight loss and could help you lose more than 10% of your body weight in 1 year. Xenical is also a safe option for many people to take, with no widely reported serious side effects.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I know if Xenical is working?
Xenical starts working in 1-2 days, but you might not see results for up to 2 weeks. One of the more obvious signs that Xenical is working is passing more oily stools than normal, which show that unabsorbed fat is being passed out through your stool. Losing weight is another sign that Xenical is working.
Does Xenical work on existing fat?
No, Xenical will not reduce or burn existing fat, it can only reduce the amount of fat your body absorbs from future meals.
Can I take Xenical if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
No, it is currently not recommended to take Xenical when pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because the medication may pass on to your newborn child through breast milk, or to your unborn baby in the womb.
Does Xenical make you pass stools more frequently?
Yes, Xenical can make you need to pass stools more urgently or more frequently if you eat a fatty meal. This is because some of the fat you eat will be passed on when you go to the bathroom, so if you eat a very fatty meal, it increases the amount of fat in your stool.
Brenda studied medicine at St Georges University of London and has most recently worked in John Radcliffe Oxford University Hospitals, covering acute and general medicine.
Meet our doctorsLast reviewed: 28 Aug 2024
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Evaluation of efficacy and safety of orlistat in obese patients, PubMed [accessed August 2024]
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Information for patients taking orlistat (Xenical), NHS [accessed August 2024]
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Orlistat, Statpearls [accessed August 2024]
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Weight Loss Treatment, NHS [accessed August 2024]