Xenical® (
orlistat) is a prescription weight loss medication approved to help people lose weight and to prevent weight regain in people who have already lost weight. There are many potential dangers that you should be aware of before starting this drug.
As with any medication, side effects are possible with Xenical. In clinical studies, side effects that affected the
digestive system were common. Some of the most common problems included:
- Oily spotting (uncontrolled anal oil seepage) -- in up to 26.6 percent of people
- Abdominal pain (stomach pain) or discomfort -- up to 25.5 percent
- Gas with a small amount of oil or stool -- up to 23.9 percent
- Fecal urgency (an urgent but controlled need to have a bowel movement) -- up to 22.1 percent.
Xenical may not be suitable for everyone; you should not take this medicine if you:
- Are allergic to Xenical, orlistat, or any inactive components used to make Xenical
- Have a medical condition that decreases your ability to absorb food
- Have cholestasis (a liver or gallbladder disorder involving a blockage of bile flow).
