Each capsule contains 120 mg of the active substance orlistat. The capsule also contains the additional substances microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycollate, povidone, sodium lauryl sulphate and talc. The capsule shell consists of gelatine, indigo carmine (E132) and titanium dioxide (E171).

The recommended dose of XENICAL is one 120 mg capsule swallowed with a glass of water, taken with each of the three main meals per day. It can be taken during the meal or up to one hour after the meal is consumed. 

XENICAL only works in the presence of dietary fat. If you miss a main meal or if you have a meal containing no fat, you do not need to take that particular dose of XENICAL .

XENICAL should be taken with a well-balanced, calorie controlled diet that is rich in fruit and vegetables and contains an average of 30% of the calories from fat. Your daily intake of fat, carbohydrate and protein should be distributed over three meals. This means you will usually take one capsule at breakfast time, one capsule at lunch time and one capsule at dinner time. To gain optimal benefit, avoid the intake of food containing fat between meals, such as biscuits, chocolate and savoury snacks.

You should not take XENICAL if you are allergic to orlistat or to any of the other substances the capsule contains. Also, you should not use XENICAL if your doctor has diagnosed that your uptake of essential nutrients is lower than it should be.

Possible side effects of XENICAL: