Xenical

Xenical (orlistat)

What is Xenical?

Xenical is a medication prescribed to help with weight loss or to help reduce the risk of gaining weight that has already been lost. This medication is prescribed for adults and children 12 years and older and must be combined with a reduced-calorie diet.

It belongs to the drug class of anti-obesity agents, specifically gastrointestinal lipase inhibitors. These medications work by blocking some of the fat that you eat and keeping it from being absorbed by your body.

Xenical is not recommended:

• If you are allergic to, or have had an allergic reaction to it or ingredients
• If you suffer from chronic malabsorption syndrome (not absorbing nutrients from food properly)
• If you suffer from cholestasis (reduced bile flow from the liver)
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• For patients younger than 12 years of age

What are the Indications for Xenical?

Xenical is approved for the treatment of obesity management, including weight loss and weight maintenance, especially if you have other risk factors, like high blood pressure, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia.

How is Xenical used?

Storage

Spiriva should be stored in its original packaging at 77°F (25°C) with excursions permitted between 59-86°F (15-30°C).

Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of reach of children.

Instructions

Take medication as directed by your doctor, by mouth with liquid during a meal that contains fat, or within 1 hour after a meal. If you miss a meal or your meal does not contain fat, skip that dose of the medication.

Do not change your dosage and take more than what is prescribed, as it will not improve your condition faster, and increase your risk of side effects. If you took more than prescribed, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical care.

Dosage

Xenical is available in a 120 mg capsule form and should be taken 3 times a day with a meal that contains fat, or within 1 hour of finishing the meal.

Side Effects

It’s important to understand that although Xenical is FDA-approved, it comes with side effects that may or may not affect you.

To reduce the chance of unpleasant side effects, only 30% of the calories in your diet should come from fat. Your daily intake of fat, protein, and carbohydrates should be spread evenly over 3 main meals.

Before starting, you should discuss possible side effects with your doctor or pharmacist.

Common Side Effects

Not all side effects require medical attention. As your body adjusts to Xenical, side effects may go away. Tell your doctor if you experience the following symptoms, and they become severe or do not go away on their own.

• Oily, fatty, or loose stools
• Oily spotting on your underwear
• Flatulence
• Urgent bowel movements or inability to control bowel movements
• Increased number of bowel movements
• Stomach pain, nausea, or rectal pain

Serious Side Effects

Severe adverse reactions while taking Xenical may occur. Seek emergency medical care or call 911 if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Liver disease: nausea/vomiting that doesn’t stop, severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin (jaundice), feeling tired, loss of appetite
• Kidney disease: back pain, difficulty, or pain when urinating, pink/bloody urine.
• Severe allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling, especially the face, tongue, and throat, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
• Other: rectal bleeding, low blood sugar, gall stones, swelling of feet/ankles.

The information above does not list all possible side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any side effects not listed. You or your doctor may report side effects to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings & Precautions

Before using Xenical, tell your doctor or pharmacist:

• If you are allergic to it or any ingredients
• If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed
• If you don’t see any weight loss within 2 weeks of starting Xenical, or picking up weight
• If you suffer from chronic malabsorption syndrome or cholestasis (reduced bile flow from the liver)

Malabsorption syndrome

Xenical can interfere with the absorption of nutrients and can cause diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, and fatigue.

Cholestasis

Xenical can cause a reduced flow of bile from the liver and can cause damage to the liver cells and other health problems.

Pregnant or Planning to Become Pregnant

Do not use Xenical if you are pregnant as weight loss is not recommended during pregnancy and may harm an unborn baby.

Breastfeeding or Planning to Breastfeed

Xenical may pass into breast milk in small amounts. Speak to your doctor about whether you should continue breastfeeding.

Interactions & Contraindications

Before using Xenical, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take any medications, herbal supplements, or vitamins.

Vitamins

This medicine can interfere with certain fat-soluble vitamins including A, D, E, and K. A daily vitamin supplement that contain these nutrients is recommended and should be taken at least 2 hours before or after taking it.