Weight Loss Medicine Now Available From Pharmacists

The weight loss medicine Xenical® (orlistat) is now available direct from a pharmacist for the first time in New Zealand.  Xenical has been re-classified to a Pharmacist Only Medicine, meaning pharmacists can sell Xenical to appropriate people with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above without a doctors prescription.

When used in conjunction with a change in food choices and activity levels, orlistat will assist with weight reduction.

Pharmacists must be appropriately trained in weight management and follow a set protocol in order to sell Xenical.

There must be a face to face consultation in a private area.

It may only be sold to people who are over-weight with an initial Body Mass Index greater than 30 and aged over 18.  Body Mass Index is the weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared.

The pharmacist must consider that Xenical is appropriate for the person and that there are no medical grounds to refer to a doctor.

Purchasers will be offered on-going advice from the pharmacist and assisted to join the Xenical Support Programme.