Eight out of ten pharmacies are selling Xenical (orlistat) inappropriately and contrary to their own professional guidelines a survey by consumer magazine Choice has found.

In a mystery shopper investigation the magazine found that a women who did not meet the criteria for overweight (BMI of less than 25) was sold Xenical by 24 out of 30 pharmacies she visited. Less than a third of pharmacies asked for her height and weight needed to calculate BMI, and none asked about her waist circumference or her age. Counselling was brief and never conducted in private. Only half the pharmacies mentioned side effects of the treatment and even fewer advised on diet and exercise.

The Consumers Association said it was of concern that on several occasions the pharmacies told the shopper that she did not need Xenical, but sold it to her regardless.

“Choice is concerned that Xenical is being supplied inappropriately, and that advertising Xenical direct to consumers is sending the wrong message about weight loss to the Australian public and could encourage excessive use.

The group said it was campaigning for advertising approval for Xenical to be removed and for the drug to be rescheduled back to prescription-only status when it comes up for review by the National Drugs and Poisons Scheduling Committee later this month.

Caption: Xenical is sold regardless of BMI