What is Xenical?
Xenical is the original orlistat product from Roche at the higher, prescription-only dose of 120 mg. It inhibits the absorption of fat in the intestine and thereby supports weight reduction.
Compared with the non-prescription 60 mg version (Alli), Xenical blocks more fat and leads to greater weight loss.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Orlistat 120 mg
Xenical inhibits gastrointestinal lipases and thereby prevents the absorption of about 30% of dietary fat.
Who is it suitable for?
Adults with a BMI ≥ 30 or a BMI ≥ 28 with accompanying risk factors, as an addition to diet and exercise.
Available Dosages
120 mg, 3x daily with the main meals.
Dosage form and pack sizes
The medicines catalogue lists one pack variant: one strength in one pack size.
- Dosage form
- Hartkapsel
- Strengths
- 120 mg
- Pack sizes
- 84 units
| Strength | Pack | PZN | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 mg | 84 units | 00048047 | 28 days |
Packs listed in the German medicines catalogue. Which of them are currently available and what they cost is shown in the price overview.
The Pharmazentralnummer (PZN) is the nationwide unique identifier of a pack in Germany.
Duration is the catalogue value for the usual dosage. How long a pack actually lasts depends on the dose your doctor prescribes.
How to Take
One capsule with water immediately before, during or up to 1 hour after each main meal. If a meal is missed or contains no fat, that dose should be skipped.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to orlistat or to any of the other ingredients, chronic malabsorption syndrome, cholestasis, breast-feeding. Caution is required during pregnancy. Concomitant use with ciclosporin is not recommended, and concomitant use with acarbose should be avoided.
Possible Side Effects
Fatty stools, urgent need to have a bowel movement, flatulence – especially with a high-fat diet.
Interactions
- Ciclosporin: Concomitant use is not recommended because ciclosporin levels may fall. If it cannot be avoided, ciclosporin blood levels need to be checked more often.
- Acarbose: Concomitant use should be avoided.
- Warfarin and other medicines that inhibit blood clotting: INR values should be monitored.
- Medicines for epilepsy (e.g. valproic acid, lamotrigine): Orlistat can reduce their absorption, and seizures have been reported. The frequency and severity of seizures should be monitored.
- Levothyroxine and iodine salts: Rarely, an underactive thyroid or poorer control of an existing underactive thyroid may occur.
- Amiodarone: Increased monitoring, including by ECG, is justified.
- HIV medicines, antidepressants, antipsychotics (including lithium) and benzodiazepines: There are case reports of reduced effectiveness. In such cases, treatment with orlistat should only be started after careful consideration.
- Medicines for diabetes: Treatment should be closely monitored.
- Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K): Their absorption may be impaired. If a multivitamin supplement is taken, this should be at least two hours after orlistat or at bedtime.
- The pill (oral contraceptives): Severe diarrhea can cause contraception to fail. In that case, also use another method of contraception.
Frequently Asked Questions
Xenical contains 120 mg orlistat (double the dose of Alli), is prescription-only and somewhat more effective.
Similar Medications
Is Xenical right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Important Safety Information
This service operates under German pharmaceutical law (HWG). For risks and side effects, read the package leaflet and consult your doctor or pharmacist. All medications are dispensed from a licensed pharmacy in Germany.