Generic name:orlistat [ OR-li-stat ]
Brand names: alli, Xenical
Drug class:Peripherally acting antiobesity agents
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 2, 2021.
What is Xenical?
Xenical blocks some of the fat that you eat, keeping it from being absorbed by your body.
Xenical is used to aid in weight loss, or to help reduce the risk of regaining weight already lost. This medicine must be used together with a reduced-calorie diet and is to used only by adults.
Xenical is the prescription-strength form of orlistat. The alli brand of orlistat is available without a prescription.
Warnings
Do not take Xenical if you are pregnant. Weight loss is not recommended during pregnancy.
You should not use this medicine if you have a digestive disorder (problems absorbing food). You should not use Xenical if you have gallbladder problems, or if you are pregnant. Do not use alli if you have had an organ transplant, if you use cyclosporine, or if you are not overweight.
Xenical is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Your daily intake of fat, protein, and carbohydrates should be evenly divided over all of your daily meals. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
Avoid a diet that is high in fat. High-fat meals taken in combination with Xenical can increase your risk of unpleasant side effects on your stomach or intestines.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Xenical if you are allergic to orlistat, or if you have malabsorption syndrome (an inability to absorb food and nutrients properly).
You also should not use this medicine if you have:
gallbladder problems; or
if you are pregnant.
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