Xenical

Generic name: Orlistat

What is Xenical?

Xenical is a prescription medication that helps people who are considerably overweight (have a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or greater) lose weight. Xenical is also for people who are overweight (have a body mass index of 27 or greater) and also have other risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, or diabetes. Xenical blocks certain enzymes in the gut known as lipases, so your body cannot properly digest fat and you absorb much less (about 30% less) of the fat that you eat. The undigested fat is eliminated in your bowel movements.

What is the most important information I should know about Xenical?

Xenical is not a substitute for healthy lifestyle changes needed to lose weight. Xenical should be taken with a nutritionally balanced, reduced-calorie diet containing no more than 30% of calories from fat.

Xenical may impair your body's ability to absorb some fat-soluble vitamins. You should take a multivitamin once a day that contains vitamins D, E, K, and beta-carotene, at least 2 hours before or after taking Xenical.

You will likely experience a change in your bowel movements, especially in the beginning of your treatment, and sometimes throughout your Xenical therapy. These changes include oily spotting, gas with discharge, oily or fatty stools, increased number of bowel movements, an urgency to have bowel movements, or an inability to control bowel movements. This may worsen if the total daily calories you consume contain more than 30% of fat.

The use of this medication longer than 4 years has not been studied.

Who should not take Xenical?

You should not take Xenical if you consistently have problems absorbing food, gallbladder problems, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have ever had an allergy or sensitivity to Xenical or any of its ingredients.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Xenical?

Mention all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Xenical. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have allergies to any foods, medicines, or dyes; are taking any other weight loss medication; taking cyclosporine; planning to become pregnant; or if you have anorexia or bulimia.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: The usual dosage is 120 milligrams (mg) taken at any meal that contains fat, up to 3 times a day.

How should I take Xenical?

You should take Xenical with a liquid during or up to 1 hour after any meal that contains fat (up to 3 times a day). Every time you take Xenical with a meal you should not consume more than 30% of your calories from fat.

What should I avoid while taking Xenical?

You should avoid eating very fatty foods when taking Xenical, as this may increase your risk of experiencing unpleasant side effects.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Xenical?

If Xenical is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Xenical with the following: cyclosporine, fat-soluble vitamins, levothyroxine (take at least 4 hours apart), warfarin, or other weight loss medications.

What are the possible side effects of Xenical?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: oily spotting or oily discharge, gas with discharge, fatty or oily stools, increased number of bowel movements, inability to control bowel movements

Can I receive Xenical if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

No. Xenical is not recommended to be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Xenical?

If you forget to take Xenical with a meal, you may take it up to 1 hour after. If it has been longer than an hour, skip that dose and return to your normal dosing schedule. Do not double your Xenical doses.

How should I store Xenical?

Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.