Reduce the Activity of the Lipase Enzyme to Help Lose Weight

Xenical is a prescription strength gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor. Lipase is an enzyme produced mainly by your pancreas but also by your salivary glands, liver, and stomach. Its job is to break down fats from the food you eat so it can be absorbed by your intestines. If you are not active enough or have a diet high in fat, you will gain weight.

Xenical or generic Orlistat works in your intestines to decrease the action of lipase enzymes from breaking down fat so some of it will not be absorbed but passes through your body and is expelled with your stool when you have a bowel movement. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Conditions Treated by Xenical

People with type 2 diabetes may benefit from taking Xenical (half strength called Alli in USA) to help keep their weight under control. Your doctor can determine if you have a high body mass index (BMI) of 28 or more and a medical condition, such as diabetes, and decide if Xenical can help you reduce your weight safely.

Xenical cannot do all the work; you must follow a diet with no more than 30% of calories from fat and try to become more active with exercising. Your current weight, medical condition, or drugs you are taking or using will determine your dosage of Xenical. Your doctor may also recommend you take multi-vitamins while taking Xenical.

Before Xenical is Prescribed

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding before taking Xenical as it may be harmful to your unborn or nursing baby. To determine if Xenical is the right medicine for you, discuss other medical conditions or allergies with your doctor and list any OTC or Rx drugs you take or use, including herbal remedies and vitamin or dietary supplements.

Xenical Precautions and Recommendations

Do not take for weight loss if you have type 1 diabetes. If you are taking Xenical with your type 2 diabetic meds, monitor your glucose often as you may experience low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and feel dizzy, hungry, confused, or sweat more. If you reduce the amount of fat in your diet, you will have less side effects that include urgency to have a bowel movement, gas, and fatty, foul smelling stools. Xenical should not be given to anyone under the age of 18 years old.