Orlistat 120 MG

Orlistat is the active ingredient which aids in weight loss; it is sold in 3 forms: Orlistat (the generic version), Xenical and Alli. Alli can be purchased over the counter whilst Orlistat and Xenical are prescription only.

Many people tend to opt for the prescription only version as the doses are 120mg compared to Alli which has a 60mg dose therefore results are much slower.

Orlistat is not to be used in children or the elderly and is only prescribed when there is a risk to health due to obesity.

Possible Side Effects

Due to the drug not being systemically absorbed, the side effects are often mild and mainly involve the gastrointestinal tract. Common side effects are:

Bowel urgency

Frequent bowel movements

Oily evacuation

Flatulence with discharge

Cautions

Do not use if you are or trying to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Not to be used in children or the elderly (over 65).

Do not use if you have any of the following conditions: cholestasis, chronic malabsorption syndrome, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, or kidney or liver problems.

Help and Advice

Orlistat is the active ingredient in the weight loss medications Alli and Xenical. Xenical is a prescription only drug whilst Alli can be purchased over the counter in pharmacies.

Losing weight can be a very difficult task and studies have shown orlistat has provided great results when used in conjunction with a low-calorie diet and exercise.

Orlistat is the only clinically safe drug on the market that has proven to aid in weight loss and is often described as a ‘miracle drug’.

How does generic Xenical work?

Lipase is the enzyme in the body which breaks down fat, if the fat is not broken down then the body cannot absorb it. Orlistat works by attaching to lipase and preventing it from breaking down fat.

This means that the fat molecules are too big to be absorbed and travel straight through the intestines and is passed out in stool.

Although Orlistat doesn’t directly aid in weight loss, it helps by reducing the amount of weight gained, which is why it is essential to still follow a reduced calorie diet and exercise regime

What are the differences between Xenical, Orlistat and Alli?

Xenical is available at the prescription dose of 120mg whilst Alli is only available as 60mg capsules.

Due to this difference in dosage, results are more noticeable quicker in those taking Xenical. With Orlistat and Xenical, around a third of dietary fat is prevented from being absorbed, with Alli its around one quarter.

Orlistat is cheaper than Xenical due to being the generic brand and coming without the fancy packaging.

What kind of results can I expect to see when taking generic Xenical?

Results are often noticeable within the first few weeks of treatment providing the patient adheres to a strict low-calorie diet and exercise regime.

Results are steady, often around 1-2 pounds a week.

Who should take Xenical?

In the UK generic Xenical is prescribed to people with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 28 or greater or a person’s health is at risk primarily due to weight.

An NHS doctor will expect that the patient has already tried dieting, exercise and behavioural changes.

I have been using generic Xenical and am getting orange coloured oil seeping out of my bottom, how can I stop this happening?

There is a dye in Xenical which colours fat orange. The fat is seeping out as you have eaten something with a very high fat content such as a cream cake. You may be unhappy with the seepage but the alternative is to have it added to your body fat. If you are worried about staining your clothes or the bed sheets, then you could use a sanitary towel. The best thing to do is not to eat fatty meals.

When I go to the toilet, at work, it’s really embarrassing as orange oil fills the toilet bowl. What can I do to help?

To help flush away any fat you can add liquid soap/detergent to the bowl before you go the toilet. Then put several sheets of toilet paper in the bowl before you open your bowels, then flush.

I have been taking generic Xenical for several months and I cannot see any weight loss. What am I doing wrong?

This is a common problem when the person is continuing to eat a high fat diet. You will notice that you feel very hungry whilst taking generic Xenical ad this is because you are hardly getting any calories from fat. When you feel hungry it is important to eat low calorie food to fill your stomach and you should then lose a couple of pounds a week.

I am concerned that I am not getting enough fat-soluble vitamins and want to take a supplement, when should I take these?

You can take a multi vitamin tablet at least 2 hours after taking orlistat or before bedtime.

How to Use?

Xenical and Orlistat: 120 mg dose taken orally three times a day with each fat-containing meal.

It is recommended that the dose is taken during the meal or up to 1 hour after.

If you skip a meal, or have a low-fat meal, you do not need to take generic Xenical for that meal.