Brand
name : Xenical
Pronounced: ZEN-eh-kal
Generic name: Orlistat
Why is Xenical prescribed?
Xenical blocks absorption of dietary fat into the bloodstream, thereby
reducing the number of calories you get from a meal. At the usual dosage
level, it cuts fat absorption by almost one-third. Combined with a
low-calorie diet, it is used to promote weight loss and discourage
the return of unwanted pounds.
The drug is prescribed for obese individuals and for overweight people
who have other health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes,
or high cholesterol levels. Your weight status is determined by your
body mass index (BMI), a comparison of height to weight.
Most important fact about Xenical
Along with dietary fat, Xenical decreases the absorption of some fat-soluble
vitamins and beta-carotene. To compensate, it is strongly recommended
that you take a multivitamin containing vitamins A, E, D, K, and beta-carotene
once a day, at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking Xenical.
How should you take Xenical?
Take a capsule of Xenical during, or up to 1 hour after, each main
meal. You should follow a nutritionally balanced, low-calorie diet
that provides no more than 30 percent of its calories from fat. If
you miss a meal, or the meal contains no fat, you can skip the accompanying
dose of Xenical.
If you miss a dose...
Resume taking Xenical at the next meal. Don't try to make up the loss
with a double dose. The extra drug won't help.
Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature, in a tightly sealed container.
Xenical side effects
Side effects of Xenical are more common during the first year of treatment.
If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as
possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue
taking Xenical.
* Side effects may include:
Abdominal discomfort or pain, anxiety, arthritis, back pain, diarrhea, dizziness,
earache, fatigue, fatty or oily stools, fecal urgency or incontinence, flu,
gas with fecal discharge, gum problems, headache, increased defecation, menstrual
problems, muscle pain, nausea, oily discharge, rectal discomfort or pain,
respiratory tract infections, skin rash, sleep problems, tooth problems,
urinary tract infections, vaginal inflammation, vomiting
Side effects that usually occur after the first year of treatment
with Xenical include: depression, leg pain, swollen feet, and tendonitis.
Why should Xenical not be prescribed?
Do not take Xenical if you suffer from "chronic malabsorption
syndrome"--a condition that prevents nutrients from passing from
your stomach into your bloodstream--or from cholestasis, a blockage
in the supply of bile needed for digestion. You'll also need to avoid
Xenical if it gives you an allergic reaction.
Special warnings about Xenical
Weight loss begins within 2 weeks and continues for 6 to 12 months.
The effect of using Xenical for more than 2 years is still unknown.
Side effects such as diarrhea and abdominal pain may be worse if you
continue eating a high fat diet or even take a high-fat meal. Limit
your fat intake.Your doctor will test your thyroid function before
starting you on Xenical to make sure that your weight problem is not
due to an underactive
thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). Xenical is not an appropriate remedy
for this problem.
Xenical increases the likelihood of kidney stones. Use it with caution
if you have a history of this problem.
If you have diabetes, weight-loss is likely to reduce your blood sugar
levels. If you're taking an oral diabetes medication or insulin, your
dose may have to be reduced.
Note that the safety and efficacy of Xenical in children younger than
12 years old have not been established.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Xenical
If Xenical is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining Xenical with the following:
Cyclosporine (Neoral and Sandimmune)
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Xenical during pregnancy have not been adequately studied
and the drug is not recommended for pregnant women. If you are pregnant
or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
It is not known whether Xenical appears in breast milk. Do not take
it while breastfeeding.
Recommended dosage for Xenical
ADULTS AND CHILDREN 12 YEARS AND OLDER
Overdosage
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