Product Description

Xenical works in the stomach with some of the natural occurring chemicals. These chemicals, called lipases, are responsible for breaking down the large fat molecules into smaller components which are digestible for the body.

By inhibiting the action of the lipases in the stomach, Xenical prevents around a third of the fat molecules you eat from being digested and stored in the body. Patients on reduced calorie diets might experience a weight loss they could not have achieved on a diet alone.

It is important that patients on Xenical have a normal diet which provides all the nutritions the body needs to work. It is also recommended that patients take an extra vitamin supplement of some fat-soluble vitamins: D, E and K and beta carotene once a day at least 2 hours before or after taking Xenical, such as at bedtime.

Unlike most pills promising a weight loss, Xenical has been studied in clinical tests and has been proven to work.

In one placebo controlled study, patients on Xenical lost on average twice as much over a 52 week period. All patients were on the same diet. Furthermore, the patients who were given Xenical lost an average of 13 lbs after 3 months and 19 lbs after 12 months.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies, digestive disorders (malabsorption or cholestasis), low thyroid function (hypothyroidism), other metabolism problems (e.g., oxalate kidney stones, hyperoxaluria). This drug should not be used if you have anorexia nervosa or bulimia-type eating disorders. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. The manufacturer does not recommend use of this drug during pregnancy. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

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.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at  1-800-222-1222 . Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

Notes

Do not share this medication 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.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, 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.

Storage

Store at room temperature (77 degrees F, 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.

Side Effects

Fatty/oily stool, oily spotting, intestinal gas with discharge, bowel movement urgency, poor bowel control, or headaches may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. 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.