Xenical

Common Name: orlistat

How does Xenical work?

Orlistat is used in addition to a mildly reduced-calorie diet for obesity management including weight loss and weight maintenance. It works by preventing fat from being absorbed from food. It is recommended only for people with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater (or greater than or equal to 27 if the person has other risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.) It may also be used in combination with anti-diabetic medications to improve blood glucose control in overweight or obese type 2 diabetes patients. Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

How should I use Xenical?

The recommended adult dose is 120 mg three times daily with each main meal (with food or up to one hour after the meal). If a meal is occasionally missed or contains no fat, the dose of orlistat may be omitted. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the one given here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

What form(s) does Xenical come in?

Each capsule, with a turquoise cap and a turquoise body, with "Roche Xenical 120" printed in black ink, contains orlistat 120 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: gelatin, indigo carmine, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone K30, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium starch glycolate, talc and titanium dioxide.

What should I NOT take with Xenical?

Orlistat should not be taken by anyone who has: chronic malabsorption syndrome cholestasis (a condition where bile excretion in the liver is stopped) an allergy to orlistat or any ingredient of the medication

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Xenical?

Fat intake: It is very important to follow dietary guidelines. The risk of side effects associated with the stomach (such as gas with leaky bowel movements or oily spotting of underclothes) increases when orlistat is taken with a high-fat diet. Your daily intake of fat should be distributed over three main meals. Kidney stones: People with a history of kidney stones should use this medication with caution. Vitamins: Orlistat has been shown to reduce the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about taking a multi-vitamin supplement. Take the vitamin at least two hours before or after taking orlistat, or at bedtime. Pregnancy: The safe use of orlistat by pregnant women has not been established. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless the benefit clearly outweighs any potential risk. Breast-feeding: It is not known whether orlistat passes into breast milk. This medication is not recommended for use by nursing mothers unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Children: The safety and effectiveness of orlistat have not been established for use by children and adolescents younger than 17 years. Its use by this age group is not recommended.