- Home
- Online Doctor
- Weight Loss
- Xenical 120mg Capsules
What is Xenical 120mg Capsules?
| Medicine Type | Lipase Inhibitor |
| Mechanism of Action | Stops (inhibits) about one-third of dietary fat from being absorbed by the body |
| Active Ingredient | Orlistat |
| Effective Within | 1-3 months |
| Pack Size | 252 capsules |
| Strength | 120mg |
Overview
What is Xenical and How Does it Work?
Weight loss can be a challenging journey, especially if you are just starting or have struggled to lose weight over a period of time. Xenical capsules contain 120mg of the active ingredient Orlistat, a drug that attaches to dietary fat, stopping the body from absorbing up to one-third of it. Xenical, in conjunction with diet and exercise, can help you lose weight more effectively.
Online Mens Clinic is a regulated and registered UK online pharmacy that stocks Xenical and its generic version. You can begin the process of buying Xenical capsules by clicking on the 'Get started' button above.
Suitable for age: 18 years old +
Maximum per order: 252 capsules
Consultation required: Yes
Where Can you Buy Xenical in the UK?
Xenical is only available for purchase in the UK with a prescription from a registered healthcare provider, this includes online pharmacists.
You will first need to complete a quick online consultation to determine if you are eligible. You will then have a free online consultation with a Online Mens Clinic medical team member who will ensure that your medication is dispensed and sent to your home quickly and discreetly.
Xenical weight loss alternatives
During your consultation with a registered Online Mens Clinic pharmacist, the following alternatives to Xenical may be suggested:
Weight loss Injections
- Wegovy: A once weekly prescription injection. It has the active ingredient semaglutide. Prices start from £159
- Mounjaro: This popular and effective weight loss treatment contains the active ingredient Tirzepatide. Prices start from £138.99
- Saxenda: Administered daily and contains the active ingredient Liraglutide. Prices start from £85
Weight Loss Pills
- Orlistat 120mg: This medication is the generic (cheaper) version of Xenical. It has the same active ingredient, Orlistat, and works exactly the same as Xenical
- Mysimba: This medication is a slow-release tablet containing the active ingredients bupropion and naltrexone. It suppresses appetite by telling the brain that the stomach is full, reducing cravings
Xenical Reviews
Xenical 120mg capsules have mostly positive reviews, with reviews commenting that the medication is effective and works well when used in conjunction with a change in diet and increased exercise.
Reviewers noted that they needed to ensure their diet had reduced fat content to prevent side effects such as leaking oily and orange stool. They also commented that they had to adjust their diet to avoid the urgent need to “go.”
Informational Sources
If you’d like to find out more about Xenical 120mg capsules or weight loss medication in general, we’ve compiled a list of additional resources below for you to take a look at:
- Xenical Patient Information Leaflet (PIL)
- NHS - Obesity
- NHS - Obesity Treatment
- Xenical Overview - European Medicines Agency
- Review of the Clinical Effects of Orlistat
- Evaluation of efficacy and safety of Orlistat in obese patients
- Retrospective analysis: Orlistat 120mg improves glycaemic control in type 2 diabetic patients with or without concurrent weight loss
Directions
Xenical Dosage & Directions of Use
It is important to take Xenical exactly as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist. Xenical capsules are available as a 120mg dosage, and it is recommended to take one capsule with each of your three main meals a day.
Xenical can be taken with a drink of water before, during, or up to an hour after a meal. If you struggle to swallow a capsule whole, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about alternative treatment options.
Xenical capsules should be taken with a balanced diet that is reduced in fat. Your doctor or healthcare provider can advise you on your nutrition requirements.
Xenical capsules work when there is fat from a meal; thus, if you miss a meal, you do not need to take this medication.
Ingredients
Xenical Ingredients
- Active Substance: Orlistat
- Other ingredients: Microcrystalline cellulose (E460), sodium starch glycolate (type A), povidone (E1201), gelatine, indigo carmine (E132), titanium dioxide (E171), and edible printing ink.
Side Effects
Xenical side effects
As with all medications, there are reported side effects that occur, although not everyone may experience them. Below, we take a look at the side effects of Xenical 120mg capsules and what to do if you experience them.
Common Side Effects of Xenical
- Liquid stools
- Rectal discomfort or pain
- Soft stools
- Bloating
- Tooth or gum disorder
- Incontinence (stools)
- Tiredness
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Headache
- Liquid stools
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Increased or urgent need to go to the bathroom (open the bowels)
- Wind (flatulence) with stool discharge
- Oily stool discharge
- Oily or fatty stools
- Low blood sugar levels
Xenical side effects should disappear if you are taking the medication exactly as prescribed and adhering to your recommended diet. Tell your pharmacist or doctor about any persistent side effects that do not ease after a few days.
Less common side effects of Xenical
- Increases in the levels of some liver enzymes
- Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)
- Gallstones
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Allergic reaction
- Skin blistering
- Diverticulitis
- Bleeding from the rectum
Although these side effects are uncommon, if you experience any of them, seek medical help immediately by either going to A&E or calling 999. If you have any concerns about Xenical, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Warnings
Xenical Warnings
Before taking Xenical 120mg capsules, discuss with your doctor or pharmacist:
- If you are allergic to Orlistat or any ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet
- If you have cholestasis (liver disorder)
- If you have an insufficient absorption of nutrients from the alimentary tract (chronic malabsorption syndrome)
- If you are breast-feeding
- If you are under the age of 18 years old
Xenical Drug Interactions
Discuss with your pharmacist or doctor if any of the following points apply to you:
- If you suffer from problems with your kidneys (chronic kidney disease)
- If you are taking oral contraceptives
- Inform your doctor if you are taking:
- Medicines to treat HIV
- Anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin
- Ciclosporin
- Amiodarone
- Iodine salts or levothyroxine
- Medicines for depression, anxiousness, and psychiatric disorders
Patient Information Leaflet
Before taking any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet:
Review Date
1 January 2025
Next Review
1 January 2026
Published on
29 April 2022
Last Update
19 February 2026
Xenical 120mg Capsules FAQs
Medically reviewed on January 1st, 2025
How effective is Xenical for weight loss?
Xenical is generally taken three times a day with meals over the course of 12 weeks. During this, you can expect to lose about 5% of your starting weight.
How much weight can you lose in a week with Xenical?
Once you have started Xenical treatment, is may take a couple of weeks to notice weight loss, and it can take up to 12 weeks to lose about 5% of your starting weight. After 12 weeks, your healthcare provider will reassess and determine your next treatment course, depending on how much weight you have lost.
Who shouldn’t use Xenical?
You shouldn’t take Xenical capsules if you have a problem absorbing food (digestive disorder), if you have gallbladder problems, or if you are pregnant. Xenical is not for use in those under the age of 18.
What are the side effects of Xenical?
The most reported side effects of Xenical include fatty and oily stool, oily spotting and leaking, gas with discharge, the feeling of an urgent need to have a bowel movement, and poor bowel control.
Can I take Xenical every day?
Xenical should be taken every day, with your meals. As Xenical only works in the presence of fat, you do not need to take this medication if you have skipped a meal.
Can you drink alcohol on Xenical?
The are no reported interactions of alcohol with Xenical. However, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how much alcohol you can have in your weight loss journey, as some beverages are high in calories.
Does Xenical suppress appetite?
No, Xenical does not suppress appetite. Instead, this medication prevents about one-third of dietary fat from being absorbed by the body.
Is Xenical bad for the liver?
There are rare cases of severe liver damage being caused when people have taken Xenical and Alli. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice dark urine, yellow skin or eyes, light-coloured stools, or loss of appetite.
How long does it take to see results from Xenical?
When starting Xenical, it may take two weeks before you start seeing any weight loss. Depending on your weight loss, you may be prescribed Xenical for 6 or 12 months.
Is Xenical prescription only?
Yes, Xenical requires a prescription in the UK before you can purchase it. You can get Xenical from a registered online pharmacy such as Online Mens Clinic after a short and free online consultation.
A fully qualified team
Our experienced pharmacists are all registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council in the UK.
