The medication is available in one strength and comes in the form of a capsule. Xenical is taken by mouth with each fat-containing meal, up to three times per day. The medication should be combined with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet. Eating too much fat increases the risk of side effects.
Studies have shown that after six months of taking Xenical while dieting, people lost an average of 12.4 pounds. After a year, those taking it lost a total of 13.4 pounds, on average. Xenical has also been studied as an aid to help people who have already lost weight keep the weight off. In one study, 52 percent of people not taking it regained the weight they had lost, compared to just 26 percent of people who took the drug.
(Click Xenical for more information on when and how to take Xenical, to learn about the potential side effects of this medicine, and to find out what you should discuss with your healthcare provider before starting this drug.)
