Xenical Risks

Xenical^® (orlistat) is a prescription medicine approved as a weight loss aid. In order to help ensure safe treatment, the risks associated with this medication should be reviewed with your healthcare provider before treatment begins.

Since Xenical may not be suitable for everyone; it is important that you talk to your healthcare provider before taking this drug if you have:

Had an organ transplant
Diabetes
A thyroid disorder
A medical problem that decreases your ability to absorb food
Gallbladder problems
An eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia
Had kidney stones
Had pancreatitis.

It is also important to be aware of the potential side effects of Xenical. In clinical studies, a number of intestinal-related side effects were reported with Xenical, including:

Oily spotting (uncontrolled anal oil seepage)
Abdominal pain (stomach pain) or discomfort
Gas with a small amount of oil or stool
Fecal urgency (an urgent but controlled need to have a bowel movement)
Fatty or oily stool
Oily evacuation (bowel movements of just oil, without stool)
Increased frequency of bowel movements
Nausea
Uncontrolled, spontaneous bowel movements.

(Click Xenical Side Effects and Xenical Warnings and Precautions to learn about other potential risks with Xenical, including important information on who should not use this particular weight loss medication.)