Xenical

Orlistat

Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Xenical

Xenical is a medication for weight loss. Xenical targets the absorption of fat in your body rather than suppressing your appetite. Dietary fats are inhibited from being absorbed and this allows approximately 30% of the fat consumed in the meal to pass through the gastrointestinal tract undigested. This reduce fat absorption helps you to reduce (if you are overweiht) and maintain your weight, as well as to minimize any weight regain.

Xenical can also help to counter risk factors of heart disease, such as high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol and high blood sugar. By reducing the risk factors it helps in maintaining healthy life. Xenical is for long term use and has been shown to be effective for 1-2 years.

Therapeutic Uses of Xenical

Xenical is used for treatment (management) of overweight and obesity. It is used for patients aged 12 years or above. It is used all over the world and recognized for effective treatment of obesity.

Direction of use of Xenical

Xenical should be used as per direction of your doctor or as follows:

• Take Xenical orally after each meal which contains fat, but do not take more than 3 capsules per day.
• If you miss a meal or if meal contains no fat, you should not take a dose of Xenical.
• Xenical may cause decrease absorption of vitamins, especially fat soluble vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin K. Take a multivitamin supplementation once a day at bedtime.
• Read the chart on the medicine package. You may consider starting Xenical if your weight is the same or more than the weight shown for your height. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any question about the use of Xenical.

If You Miss a Dose of Xenical

If you miss a dose of Xenical after a meal that contains fats, take it as soon as you remember. If few hours have passed after taking a fatty meal you should skinp the missed dose of Xenical. Continue to take it as directed by your doctor.

How to Store Xenical

Xenical should be stored at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store it away from heat, moisture, and light in a tight, light-resistant container. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Xenical out of the reach of children and away from pets.

More Information About Xenical

Xenical is to be used by the obese person only for whom it is prescribed and not shared with others. Do not use Xenical for other medical conditions. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, you should consult with your doctor.

Precautions to be Taken While Taking Xenical

Do not use Xenical if you have any of the following medical conditions listed below and consult your doctor urgently:

• If you are allergic to any ingredients used in Xenical.
• If you are not overweight or obese.
• If you have received an organ transplant and take cyclosporine.
• If you have problems absorbing food or bile flow problems (cholestasis).

Important notes about Xenical:

• Do not take more than the recommended dose of Xenical without consulting your doctor. If you take more than the recommended dose of Xenical, it may not help you lose more weight, but it can also increase your risk of side effects.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Do not take Xenical if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant or think you are pregnant while taking Xenical, you should immediately consult your doctor. It is not known if Xenical is found in breast milk, but do not breast-feed while taking Xenical or consult your doctor if you want to breast feed.
• Xenical should not be used in children younger than 18 years old as the safety and effectiveness of it in these children is not yet established.
• Proper diet and exercise are important in order to lose weight and keep it off for long time. You should strictly follow the diet and exercise program that your doctor gives you.
• Xenical may cause changes in your bowel or stool (like gas with oily spotting, loose stools, and more frequent stools). Eating a low-fat diet to reduce these side effects.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Xenical before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Xenical may affect blood sugar level in diabetic patients. Check blood sugar levels closely during treatment with Xenical, especially if you are diabetic. Ask your doctor if you have to change the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Possible Adverse Effects of Xenical

• Diarrhea, steatorea (fat in stool), nausea, mild vomiting, gas with discharge; frequent or loose stools; oily spotting; trouble controlling bowel movements etc. are the common and less serious side effects of Xenical. If any of these common and less serious side effects of Xenical become bothersome of persistent during treatment with Xenical, consult your doctor or other health care provider.
• Seek medical attention right away if you experience any of the severe side effects of Xenical. The severe side effects of Xenical are severe allergic reaction (manifestations of severe allergic reaction are rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); severe or persistent stomach pain etc.

Disease

• overweight
• obesity

FDA approves first over the counter diet pill (Xenical)