Medication features
Orlistat is the generic version of Xenical capsules. It is used in conjunction with lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet to treat obesity and excess weight. Orlistat helps shed weight by preventing fat from being absorbed by the body.
- Generic version of Xenical
- 120mg capsules available
- Lowers overall body fat by 5% in the first three months
- Reduces the amount of dietary fat absorbed
- Available online with next-day delivery
- Free Consultation
Orlistat Capsules (120mg) Summary
Medicine Type | Lipase Inhibitor |
Mechanism of Action | Blocks one-third of the absorption of dietary fat into the body |
Active Ingredient | Orlistat |
Effective Within | 1-3 months |
Pack Size | 252 capsules |
Strength | 120mg |
Overview
What is Orlistat and How Does it Work?
Orlistat is the generic (cheaper) version of the brand weight loss medication Xenical and is used to treat obesity and aid in weight loss. Orlistat works in the digestive system to stop one-third of the fat from your food from being absorbed by the body.
By using Orlistat capsules, with a reduced-calorie diet and increased exercise, you can lose up to 5% of your starting body weight in the first three months of treatment.
Suitable for age: 18+
Maximum per order:
- 120mg capsules: 252 capsules
Consultation required: Yes
Where can you buy Orlistat Capsules in the UK?
Orlistat is a prescription medication, which means that it requires a doctor or health care provider to write a prescription before you can purchase the medication.
Alternatively, you can purchase Orlistat weight loss capsules online from Cloud Pharmacy after completing a quick health consultation to determine eligibility. After a free consultation with a registered pharmacist, your medicine will be dispensed and discretely delivered to your UK address as soon as the next working day.
Orlistat Weight Loss alternatives
During your online consultation with a Cloud Pharmacy pharmacist, the following alternatives to Orlistat 120mg capsules may be suggested:
Weight loss Injections
- Saxenda: Saxenda is an injectable weight loss aid containing the active ingredient Liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Wegovy: Wegovy is a once-weekly injectable weight loss aid that has the active ingredient Semaglutide, which is a GLP-1 receptor. Wegovy works by suppressing the appetite
- Mounjaro: Mounjaro is a once-weekly injectable weight loss treatment that contains the active ingredient Tirzepatide, a GLP-1 and GIP receptor. It is currently the most effective weight loss medication on the UK market
Weight Loss Pills
- Mysimba: This medication is a combination of naltrexone and bupropion and is used to treat obesity. Naltrexone and bupropion interact with the nervous system, telling the brain that the stomach is full, leading to a suppressed appetite.
- Xenical 120mg: The brand-name version of Orlistat. These tablets contain the active ingredient orlistat, which stops (inhibits) the body from absorbing about one-third of dietary fat.
Informational Sources
If you’d like to find out more about Orlistat or weight loss medication in general, we’ve compiled a list of additional resources below for you to take a look at:
- Orlistat Patient Information Leaflet
- NHS - Obesity
- Retrospective analysis: Orlistat 120mg improves glycaemic control in type 2 diabetic patients with or without concurrent weight loss
- Review of the Clinical Effects of Orlistat
Orlistat Reviews
Reviews of Orlistat 120mg capsules are mostly positive, with reviewers commenting that the medication worked well for weight loss. Reviewers noted that when taking Orlistat, they needed to reduce the amount of dietary fat in their diet to avoid unpleasant side effects such as stool discharge and very oily stools that were unpleasant to clean up after.
Directions
Orlistat Dosage & Directions of Use
Orlistat capsules are available as a 120mg dosage. Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you exactly how to take this medication.
The general dosage of Orlistat is one 120mg capsule taken with each of your three main meals a day. Orlistat can be taken right before, during, or up to one hour after your meal. Swallow the capsule whole with a drink of water. If you struggle to swallow tablets or capsules, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about alternative options.
Orlistat 120mg capsules should be taken with a well-balanced diet that is reduced in fat. Talk to your doctor about the measures of macronutrients that you need to eat per meal.
Orlistat only works when there is fat from food in the stomach; you only need to take it when you have a meal. If you miss a meal, you do not need to take it.
Ingredients
Orlistat Ingredients
Active Ingredient: Orlistat
- 120mg capsule: 120mg Orlistat
Other ingredients: Microcrystalline cellulose (E460), povidone (E1201), sodium starch glycolate (type A), titanium dioxide (E171), edible printing ink, gelatine, indigo carmine (E132).
Side Effects
Orlistat 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 common side effects through to rare side effects of Orlistat 120mg capsules and what to do if you experience them.
Common Side Effects of Orlistat
- 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
- Liquid stools
- Rectal discomfort or pain
- Soft stools
- Bloating
- Tooth or gum disorder
- Incontinence (stools)
- Tiredness
- Irregular menstrual cycle
In general, Orlistat side effects should disappear if you are taking the medication exactly as prescribed and adhering to your recommended diet. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about persistent side effects that do not ease after a few days.
Less Common Side Effects of Orlistat
- Allergic reaction
- Skin blistering
- Diverticulitis
- Bleeding from the rectum
- Increases in the levels of some liver enzymes
- Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)
- Gallstones
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Oxalate nephropathy
Although these side effects are uncommon, if you experience any of them, seek medical help immediately. If you experience severe side effects, go to A&E immediately or call 999. If you have any concerns about Orlistat, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Warnings
Orlistat Warnings
Before taking Orlistat 120mg capsules, discuss with your doctor or pharmacist:
- If you have an insufficient absorption of nutrients from the alimentary tract (chronic malabsorption
- syndrome)
- If you are breast-feeding
- If you are allergic to Orlistat or any ingredients
- If you have cholestasis (liver disorder)
Orlistat Drug Interactions
Inform your doctor if you are taking:
- Anticoagulant drugs
- Ciclosporin
- Iodine salts or levothyroxine
- Amiodarone
- Medicines to treat HIV
- Medicines for depression, anxiousness, and psychiatric disorders
If any of the following apply to you:
- If you suffer from problems with your kidneys (chronic kidney disease)
- If you are taking oral contraceptives
Patient Information Leaflet
Before taking any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet:
Orlistat Capsules (120mg) FAQs
Does taking Orlistat allow me to eat anything I like?
Orlistat binds to the dietary fat you consume and prevents it from being absorbed, which in turn helps you to lose extra weight than if you were dieting and exercising alone. If you do not diet when taking Orlistat and eat high fat, high calorie meals, the likeliness is that you will not lose weight, and it also increases the chance of unpleasant side effects occurring. Orlistat should be viewed as a 'booster' to your weight loss efforts, helping you to lose up to 50% extra weight than you would if you were on a regime of just diet and exercise.
What does Orlistat 120mg do?
Orlistat belongs to a class of medications called lipase inhibitors. This medication helps aid weight loss by preventing about one-third of dietary fats from being absorbed by the body.
How much weight can you lose in 2 weeks on Orlistat?
After starting Orlistat, you can expect to lose 0.5-1kg of body weight per week. The goal when taking Orlistat is to lose 5% of your starting body weight after 12 weeks of treatment.
What does Orlistat do to your body?
Orlistat promotes weight loss by blocking some of the fat from your food from being absorbed by the body. The fat is then removed from your body via your stool.
When is the best time to take Orlistat 120mg?
The best time to take Orlistat is just before, during, or up to one hour after your meal. If you miss a meal, then you can skip a dose of Orlistat.
What foods should I avoid when taking Orlistat?
When taking Orlistat, it is recommended to avoid high-fat foods, as this can increase the risk of experiencing side effects such as oily stool, gas, and leaking, as well as the urgent need to pass a bowel movement.
How do I get the best result from Orlistat?
To get the best results from Orlistat, take it as prescribed by your healthcare provider, follow a balanced and calorie-controlled diet, and participate in regular exercise.
What’s better, Xenical or Orlistat?
Orlistat is the generic version of Xenical; thus, they both work the same way and have the same outcomes. Orlistat is cheaper than Xenical, and they have different branding. It will come down to personal preference and affordability.
When do you start losing weight on Orlistat?
You can expect to see weight loss in the first 1-3 months of taking Orlistat as prescribed.
Why can’t I lose weight on Orlistat?
Orlistat is not a magic pill; you will need to combine this medication with a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise. If you have any concerns or are not seeing the results you expect, talk to your doctor about a nutrition and exercise plan to ensure that you are on track to lose weight. Remember, weight loss is a journey that is often long and takes commitment.
Can you lose weight on Orlistat without exercising?
In order to lose noticeable weight, you will need to combine Orlistat with lifestyle changes, such as improving your diet and starting to exercise regularly.
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Orlistat Capsules (120mg) Reviews
Confirm Orlistat Capsules (120mg) treatment selection
120mg | 42 | £17.39 |
120mg | 84 | £33.98 |
120mg | 168 | £67.96 |
120mg | 252 | £98.99 |