Xenical

The active ingredient in Xenical is orlistat. It belongs to a class of medications known as lipase inhibitors. Orlistat works by blocking an enzyme called gastrointestinal lipase. This enzyme is responsible for breaking down our dietary fat into smaller pieces so that fat can be more easily absorbed by our body. By blocking this enzyme, it becomes difficult for the body to absorb fat, making it easier to lose body weight in obese patients. Xenical works best for weight management when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Xenical. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Xenical:

• Use Xenical exactly as prescribed. Your prescriber will review how much you should take.
• Xenical is typically taken with your main meals or within one hour after. If you miss a meal or have a low-fat meal, you can skip your dose of Xenical.
• It is best to take Xenical with nutritionally balanced meals that are low in calories. Taking Xenical with meals containing more than 30% fat increases the incidence of common side effects.
• Because of the risk of lowered absorption of certain vitamins, your healthcare provider may recommend you take a multivitamin (especially with vitamins A, D, E, K, and beta-carotene) to lower the risk of adverse events. If you take a multivitamin, it should be taken at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take Xenical, such as at bedtime.

The most common side effects of Xenical seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Oily stools
• Rectal oily spotting
• Passing gas with oily discharge
• Fecal incontinence
• Increased bowel movements

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Xenical. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Severe vitamin deficiencies
• Signs of a severe liver injury such as loss of appetite, itchy skin, yellowing of the skin or eyes, right-sided stomach pain, dark urine, or pale or clay-colored stools
• Signs of a kidney problem, such as swelling of the legs and feet, little to no urine output, frequent or painful urination, bloody urine, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or severe pain in the back, belly, or groin
• Signs of a gallbladder problem, such as right-sided stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting

These are not all of the possible side effects of Xenical. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Xenical, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Liver problems
• Renal impairment or other kidney problems
• Hypothyroidism or other thyroid problems
• Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia
• Diabetes
• Epilepsy or any other seizure disorder
• Arrhythmias or an abnormal heart rhythm
• HIV
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant

Do not use Xenical if you have:

• Chronic malabsorption syndrome or problems absorbing food
• Cholestasis or any other gallbladder problem
• Are pregnant
• Are allergic to orlistat or any of the other ingredients in Xenical

Xenical will start to work right after the first dose. However, it may take a couple of weeks to see some weight loss and several months of regular use to see the full benefit.

When Xenical is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Cyclosporine
• Fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E, and K
• Levothyroxine
• Warfarin
• Amiodarone
• Antiepileptics or antiseizure medications
• Antiretroviral drugs used in the treatment of HIV

Xenical is available in 120 mg capsules.

Xenical is also available under another brand name known as Alli. Xenical is a prescription medication, while Alli is over-the-counter (OTC).

Xenical should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture, and out of reach of children.

Xenical is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company H2-Pharma.

Yes, there is a generic available for the brand-name Xenical.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing medications while taking Xenical.

Xenical should not be used during pregnancy due to the risk of harm to the unborn child. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

It is unknown whether Xenical passes into the breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.