Safe vs damaging conditions
Tablets are far more forgiving than injections, but a few mistakes can still degrade them.
Safe
- •Xenical at 25°C (77°F), with excursions permitted between 59°F and 86°F
- •Alli at 20–25°C (68–77°F)
- •The original bottle, kept tightly closed (Xenical)
- •A dry cupboard away from light — the Alli label asks for protection from excessive light and humidity
- •Ordinary luggage, within those temperature ranges
Damages the drug
- •Temperatures over 30°C (86°F) — the Alli label names this specifically
- •Excessive humidity, which the Alli label also names
- •Excessive light
- •Leaving the Xenical bottle open rather than tightly closed
- •Using Xenical after the expiration date, which the label says not to do
- •Using Alli if any tamper-evident seal is missing, torn or broken
Expiry dates
Storage temperature and expiry are two separate instructions on the Xenical label — both apply.
- The Xenical label says the product should not be used after the expiration date it carries.
- That instruction is stated separately from the storage temperature, so keeping the bottle in the right conditions does not extend the date.
Tamper-evident features on Alli
The Alli Drug Facts label lists three, and says not to use the product if any of them is missing or damaged.
- A security seal on both ends of the carton.
- A foil seal under the bottle cap, imprinted with “sealed for your protection”.
- A dark blue band around the centre of each capsule.
- The label says not to use the product if any of these is missing, torn or broken.
Carrying it with you
Neither label asks for refrigeration, so travelling with orlistat is mostly a question of staying inside the temperature range.
- Ordinary luggage is fine while the product stays in range — 59°F to 86°F for Xenical, 68°F to 77°F for Alli.
- The Alli label asks for protection from excessive light, humidity and temperatures over 86°F, which rules out a bathroom cabinet and a hot car.
- Keep Xenical in its original bottle, tightly closed.
Common questions
Written and maintained by one person · Built with agentic AI tools · Every number checked against the cited trial · Not medical advice
- Xenical (orlistat) prescribing information — How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16), Dosage and Administration (2.1) View source ↗
- alli (orlistat 60 mg) over-the-counter Drug Facts label — Other information, Additional information View source ↗
Next step most people take
Built with agentic AI tools and not a substitute for medical advice
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Medical disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment.