Information About Xenical
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended
to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of
your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It
should not be construed to indicate that use of the Xenical is safe,
appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional
before using Xenical.
ORLISTAT - ORAL (OR-lih-stat)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Xenical
Xenical USES: Xenical is used with a reduced-calorie diet
to help significantly overweight persons lose weight. It
also helps to prevent regaining weight previously lost. Orlistat
works by blocking some of the fat normally digested by the intestine.
Xenical - HOW TO USE :
Take Xenical by mouth, generally three times daily during
(or up to one hour after) each main meal that contains fat.
Your daily intake of fat, protein and carbohydrate should be evenly
spread over three main meals. If a meal is missed or contains no
fat, skip that dose of the medication. Because Xenical can interfere
with absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (e.g., A,D,E,K), a daily
multivitamin supplement containing these nutrients is recommended.
Take the multivitamin at least 2 hours before or 2 hours
after Xenical (e.g., at bedtime). The effects of Xenical may begin
as soon as 1-2 days after treatment begins; noticeable weight loss
will take longer.
Xenical - SIDE EFFECTS :
The following adverse reactions or Xenical side effects may occur
the first few days as your body adjusts to Xenical :
- fatty/oily stool
- oily spotting
- intestinal gas with discharge
- bowel movement urgency
- poor bowel control or headaches
Intestinal side effects (e.g., oily stool) may increase in intensity
if you exceed your daily dietary fat allowance. If you notice other
effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Xenical - PRECAUTIONS :
Tell your doctor your complete medical history, especially if you
have :
- allergies;
- digestive disorders (malabsorption or cholestasis);
- low thyroid function (hypothyroidism);
- other metabolism problems (e.g., oxalate kidney stones, hyperoxaluria).
Xenical should not be used if you have anorexia nervosa
or bulimia-type eating disorders.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using Xenical. The
manufacturer does not recommend use of Xenical during pregnancy.
It is not known whether Xenical is excreted into breast
milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding
while using Xenical is not recommended. Consult your doctor before
breast-feeding.
Xenical - DRUG INTERACTIONS :
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication
you use, especially of:
- cyclosporine;
- "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin);
- drugs for diabetes (e.g., insulin);
- other drugs used for weight loss.
Cyclosporine should be taken at least 2 hours before or
after orlistat to assure maximum absorption of the cyclosporine
into your bloodstream. Do not start or stop any medicine
without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Xenical - OVERDOSE :
If Xenical overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control
center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: Do not share Xenical with others. Follow
your doctor-approved nutritional, reduced-calorie diet containing
about 30 percent calories from fat. Also, exercise is recommended;
however, first consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Xenical - MISSED DOSE :
If you miss a dose of Xenical, use it as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and
resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose
to catch up.
Xenical - STORAGE :
Store Xenical at room temperature (77 degrees F, 25 degrees C)
away from light and moisture.
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