- Weight Loss
Xenical®
Xenical® (orlistat) prescription available online
If you are suffering from weight-related medical problems, Xenical® (orlistat) can help. Get a new prescription or refill of Xenical® from a board-certified doctor online.*
Book an appointment
FDA-approved for weight loss and maintenance
Request Xenical® in as little as 15 minutes, with or without insurance*
Complete course for optimal results
*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card.
About Xenical®
Xenicalis® considered a weight loss medication, which works by blocking the enzyme that breaks down dietary fat. The undigested fat then passes out of the body through bowel movements. Therefore, orlistat interferes with dietary fat absorption.
Xenical® is used in combination with doctor-approved exercise, diet, and behavior change to help with weight loss. Xenical® is available only by prescription. It's available in a generic formulation as prescription orlistat as well as under different brand names, including Alli.
Xenical® may be prescribed as a capsule. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage prescribed.
If you're prescribed Xenical®, be sure to complete the full course of the weight loss medication unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop. If you don’t complete your prescription, the weight loss medication may not fully treat your weight-related medical problems.
Xenical® uses
There is 1 FDA-approved use for Xenical®, but your healthcare provider may also prescribe it off-label to treat other medical conditions.
Your doctor may prescribe Xenical® for any of the following reasons, or other reasons not listed here. If you have questions about why a medication is prescribed, ask your online doctor or pharmacist.
Weight loss and weight maintenance
Xenical® is FDA-approved for weight loss and weight maintenance in obese patients, overweight patients, and patients with weight-related medical problems. Obesity is considered a body mass index (BMI) over 30.
Xenical® is typically prescribed with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise in the presence of other risk factors, such as high blood pressure or diabetes mellitus.
Xenical® side effects
The side effects associated with orlistat treatment are typically mild. Most Xenical® side effects are associated with Xenical's® dietary fat-blocking action.
Xenical® has some common side effects. They may include:
Oily or fatty stools
Oily spotting in your underwear
Loose stools, or an urgent need to go to the bathroom
An increased number of bowel movements
Upper stomach pain and nausea
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:Severe stomach pain
Painful or difficult urination
Kidney or liver problems
You should call your doctor if you notice any adverse effects, or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms. Xenical® is FDA-approved for obesity management in children over 12 years of age.
In rare cases, Xenical® may cause acute hepatic failure or severe liver injury. Your doctor will monitor renal function regularly to make sure Xenical® is safe for you.
How to take Xenical®
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Xenical® prescription. Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Xenical® can come in different doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. Adults typically take a 120 mg capsule orally three times a day with each fat-containing meal. Xenical® can be taken during the meal or within an hour of finishing the meal.
What to avoid while taking Xenical®
Xenical® has 132 drug interactions. Don’t change what you are taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications, supplements, and other drugs.
Possible drug interactions with Xenical® include:
Insulin and other medications that affect glycemic control
HIV or AIDs medications
Seizure medication
Beta-carotene, vitamin E, and other fat-soluble nutrients
Blood thinners and antiretroviral drugs
Xenical® does not interact with alcohol, but make sure to ask your doctor for medical advice before drinking alcohol while taking orlistat.
Medication alternatives to Xenical®
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment altogether, they may suggest another weight loss medication. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Weight loss and weight maintenance
Xenical® prescription FAQs
How much does Xenical® cost?
Depending on your pharmacy, Xenical® 120 mg costs around $730 for 90 capsules without insurance. Fortunately, generic brands, such as orlistat, may offer a more affordable alternative. Price also varies with insurance coverage. Our prescription discount card helps members save up to 80% on prescriptions.
How can I refill my Xenical® prescription?
To refill your Xenical® prescription, book a virtual appointment with one of our top rated board-certified doctors. After reviewing your symptoms, ordering any necessary lab work or evaluations, and assessing your results, your doctor can send an electronic prescription to your local pharmacy.
Who should not take Xenical®?
Avoid taking orlistat if you have certain medical conditions, such as gallbladder problems. Do not take orlistat treatment if you're pregnant. Weight loss has no potential benefit for a pregnant woman and may cause fetal harm.
Taking orlistat can make it harder for your body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, which are important if you're breastfeeding. Do not take Xenical® without your doctor's advice if you're currently breastfeeding.How fast can you lose weight on Xenical®?
You should see weight loss within two weeks of starting Xenical®. Tell your doctor if you notice an increase in body weight while taking Xenical®.
What happens if I miss a dose of Xenical®?
If you miss a dose of Xenical®, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but no more than one hour after eating a meal. Avoid taking two doses to make up for a missed dose.
When should you not take Xenical®?
If you skip a meal or eat a meal that does not contain any fat, skip your Xenical® dose for that meal.
Does orlistat work on an empty stomach?
No, orlistat does not work on an empty stomach. You should only take orlistat when you've consumed a fat-containing meal.
3 simple steps to request your Xenical® prescription today
Step 1
Book a Xenical® prescription request appointment.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Xenical® prescription.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up your Xenical® prescription.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Xenical® prescription pricing details
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your Xenical® prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
Copay
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
- We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
$129
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Our popular weight loss services
Xenical® prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
DailyMed. Xenical - orlistat capsule. Accessed on September 18, 2022. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=6240792b-9224-2d10-e053-2a91aa0a2c3e
Food and Drug Administration. Xenical prescription label. Accessed on September 18, 2022. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/020766s026lbl.pdf
Mayo Clinic. Prescription weight-loss drugs. Accessed on September 18, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/weight-loss-drugs/art-20044832
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.