Orlistat (Xenical, alli) for Weight Loss in Illinois
Orlistat blocks about a third of the fat you eat from being absorbed. Prescription Xenical is 120 mg; alli is 60 mg and sold over the counter.
Important safety information. This page is general education, not medical advice. Only a licensed clinician who knows your history can decide whether a medication is right for you. Do not start, stop or change a prescription without talking to your clinician. If you have severe abdominal pain, trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or thoughts of harming yourself, seek emergency care or call 988.
What It Is
Orlistat is a capsule that inhibits fat-digesting enzymes in the gut. It works locally and is not an appetite suppressant.
FDA-Approved Uses
Orlistat is approved for weight management together with a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet. Xenical is approved for adults and for adolescents 12 and older.
How It Is Taken
Take one 120 mg capsule with each main meal that contains fat, up to three times a day. Skip the dose if you skip the meal or the meal has no fat. Take a daily multivitamin containing fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) at least 2 hours apart from orlistat.
What to Expect
Average weight loss is modest compared with the injectable incretin medications.
Common Side Effects
Oily spotting, gas with discharge, urgent or frequent bowel movements and fatty stools, especially after high-fat meals.
Serious Warnings
Rare severe liver injury, kidney problems from oxalate, and reduced absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Orlistat can interact with cyclosporine, levothyroxine, warfarin and some seizure medicines. It is not for people with chronic malabsorption or cholestasis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is alli the same as Xenical?
Both contain orlistat. Xenical is a 120 mg prescription capsule; alli is a 60 mg over-the-counter capsule.
Why do I need a multivitamin?
Orlistat can lower absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K, so a multivitamin taken separately is advised.
How TeleSlim Clinic Can Help
A TeleSlim Clinic physician can review your health history and goals by secure video visit and discuss whether prescription weight loss treatment is appropriate for you. Prescribing is always at the clinician's discretion, and not every medication is right for every person. See our Cost & Insurance guides and Illinois locations.
Cost & Insurance guides
TeleSlim Clinic visits are self-pay, and we do not bill insurance for our own services. We do handle prior authorization for your medication, provide a superbill you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement, and send your medication and lab orders to the pharmacy or lab you choose, where your insurance can be used. We do not see patients with Medicare.
- Weight Loss Medication Cost in Illinois
- Insurance and Weight Loss Medication in Illinois
- Illinois Medicaid and Weight Loss Medication
- TeleSlim Clinic Pricing and Plans
- HSA and FSA for Weight Loss Treatment
- Cash-Pay vs. Insurance for Weight Loss Treatment
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois and Weight Loss Medication
- Illinois State Employee Plan and Weight Loss Medication
- When Your Employer Plan Excludes Weight Loss Drugs
- Prior Authorization and Appeals for Weight Loss Medication
- Self-Pay Weight Loss Medication and Compounded Drugs
- What to Ask Your Insurance About Weight Loss Medication
Medications & Decision Guides
Learn about the prescription options and how to choose:
Weight Loss Guides by Health Condition
- PCOS and Weight Loss
- Prediabetes and Weight Loss
- Menopause Weight Gain
- Weight Regain After Bariatric Surgery
- Sleep Apnea and Weight Loss Medication
- Blood Pressure and Heart Health
- Fatty Liver and Weight Loss
- Hypothyroidism and Weight Loss
- Antidepressants and Weight
- Binge and Emotional Eating
- Weight Loss After 50
More in This Library
- Semaglutide (Wegovy)
- Tirzepatide (Zepbound)
- Liraglutide (Saxenda)
- Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia)
- Naltrexone-Bupropion (Contrave)
- Setmelanotide (Imcivree)
Cost, Coverage and Illinois Care
- Weight Loss Medication Cost in Illinois
- Does Insurance Cover Weight Loss Medication?
- Illinois Medicaid and Weight Loss Medication
- TeleSlim Clinic Pricing and Plans
- HSA/FSA and Weight Loss Medication
- Cash Pay vs Insurance
TeleSlim Clinic serves patients across Illinois, including Naperville, Aurora, Joliet, Evanston, Peoria, Springfield, Champaign, Schaumburg, Oak Lawn. See all Illinois locations.
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If you are considering bariatric surgery, learn about surgical options with Dr. Jihad Kudsi at DoctorKudsi.com (https://www.doctorkudsi.com).
Sources: FDA prescribing information for Xenical (orlistat) and alli labeling.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Prescribing information changes; confirm current details with your clinician or pharmacist. Last updated: October 7, 2026.