Xenical® (orlistat) 120 mg capsules for weight management

What Xenical® Is and How It Works

Xenical contains orlistat, a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor for chronic weight management. The 120 mg prescription capsules reduce absorption of dietary fat by about 30% when used with a reduced-calorie diet. Many people search to buy orlistat online for access to Canadian pricing and reliable supply.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba; prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing. We partner with vetted international pharmacies so you receive authentic brand medications, a broad selection, and fair pricing.

Orlistat works locally in the gut. It binds to pancreatic and gastric lipases, blocking the breakdown of triglycerides into absorbable free fatty acids. Unabsorbed fat leaves the body in stool. It is not a stimulant and has minimal systemic absorption. Xenical is indicated for adults with obesity, or overweight with risk factors, as part of a diet and activity plan.

The usual regimen is one 120 mg capsule with each main meal containing fat, or within one hour after the meal. Capsules should be swallowed whole with water. A multivitamin containing vitamins A, D, E, K, and beta-carotene is often taken at bedtime to support micronutrient intake during therapy.

Dosage and Usage

• Standard dose: orlistat 120 mg with each fat-containing main meal (three times daily).
• If a meal is skipped or contains no fat, skip the dose.
• Do not exceed 120 mg three times daily.
• Swallow capsules whole with water; do not open or chew.
• Distribute dietary fat across meals to reduce gastrointestinal effects.
• Take a daily multivitamin at least two hours after orlistat (often at bedtime).
• Separate levothyroxine from orlistat by at least four hours; monitor thyroid function as directed.
• Separate cyclosporine from orlistat by at least three hours and monitor levels if applicable.
• If a dose is missed and more than one hour has passed since the meal, skip it.

• Storage: keep capsules at 15–30 °C (59–86 °F) in a dry place. Protect from moisture; keep in original packaging.
• Do not freeze. Avoid bathrooms and other humid locations.
• For travel, keep medicine in carry-on baggage with the prescription label.
• Do not leave capsules in a parked car or direct sun.
• When flying, pack an extra supply and bring a copy of the prescription.

Benefits and Savings

Xenical can help reduce body weight and improve weight maintenance when used with diet and activity. Typical results include a greater percentage of patients losing at least 5–10% of baseline weight over 6–12 months compared with diet alone. Modest improvements in LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and glycemic measures often follow weight loss.

Convenience is meal-based dosing rather than injections. Because orlistat acts in the gut, systemic side effects are uncommon. Many appreciate a non-stimulant option that avoids cardiovascular activation.

Ordering from Canada can lower costs. Expect 60–80% savings versus typical US prices on orlistat 120 mg capsules. Multi-month supplies and periodic bulk promotions can reduce per-month costs further, and simple reorder reminders help you stay on track. For current offers, see our orlistat coupon page.

Side Effects and Safety

• Oily or fatty stools; increased stool frequency
• Flatulence with oily discharge
• Fecal urgency or incontinence
• Abdominal discomfort or cramps
• Soft stools or diarrhea
• Fat-soluble vitamin levels may decrease over time
• Headache or fatigue (less common)

Serious effects are rare. Reports include severe liver injury (watch for jaundice, dark urine, or right-upper abdominal pain), oxalate nephropathy or kidney stones, and hypersensitivity reactions. Orlistat can reduce absorption of some medicines (e.g., warfarin, cyclosporine, levothyroxine, certain antiepileptics). If used with insulin or sulfonylureas, weight loss may increase hypoglycemia risk, so clinicians sometimes adjust diabetes medication doses.

Onset Time

Gastrointestinal changes can appear within the first 24–48 hours of starting orlistat, especially after high-fat meals. Weight changes usually begin within two weeks when paired with a calorie-reduced diet, with steady loss over 1–3 months as habits settle. Many reach a plateau by 6 months and then focus on weight maintenance with continued lifestyle measures.

Compare With Alternatives

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a once-weekly GLP-1 injection approved for chronic weight management. It tends to yield greater average weight loss than orlistat but requires titration and injection training. See Wegovy® for details.

Rybelsus is oral semaglutide taken daily. It is approved for type 2 diabetes and may support weight reduction in some patients. GI effects can include nausea and decreased appetite. Learn more at Rybelsus®.

Other prescription options include naltrexone/bupropion or phentermine/topiramate, each with distinct profiles and monitoring needs. Compared with GLP-1 medicines, orlistat offers a non-systemic, non-injectable approach and is taken with meals, which some prefer. Those seeking injection-based therapy for stronger weight-loss efficacy may discuss semaglutide or other GLP-1s with their prescriber.

Combination Therapy

• Dietary counseling and activity planning remain the foundation of therapy.
• With type 2 diabetes therapy (e.g., metformin), prescribers may reduce insulin or sulfonylurea doses to limit hypoglycemia as weight decreases.
• Vitamins A, D, E, K, and beta-carotene are often supplemented, taken at a different time of day.
• Combining with other weight-loss drugs is uncommon and should be supervised to avoid additive gastrointestinal effects.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Candidates often include adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher, or 27 kg/m² or higher with conditions such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, or type 2 diabetes. Xenical is taken with meals that contain fat, and works best alongside structured nutrition and activity changes.

Orlistat may not be suitable for pregnancy or breastfeeding, chronic malabsorption syndromes, or cholestasis. Caution is advised with a history of kidney stones or significant oxalate issues. Medicine interactions can occur with warfarin (monitor INR), cyclosporine, levothyroxine, certain antiepileptics, and antiretrovirals; spacing doses and monitoring can help manage these.

To manage cost, consider a multi-month supply when appropriate to lower the per-month price of orlistat 120 mg. Watch for bulk promotions. Set reorder reminders so you do not run short. If you prefer brand continuity, you can purchase Xenical; if flexibility is acceptable, orlistat purchase options may include generic at lower cost. Many compare orlistat 120 mg price across suppliers; Canadian pricing can help control expenses.

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing Information for Xenical (orlistat)

Health Canada Product Monograph for Orlistat

Manufacturer information for Xenical

Order Xenical® from Youdrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express handling.

This content is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider about your specific situation.