Xenical (Orlistat)

Why Xenical is prescribed?

Xenical is the trade name for the medication, Orlistat. This medication is used to treat obesity. Orlistat works by preventing your body from absorbing the fat from the food you consume. By lowering the quantity of fat that is absorbed, the medication can help you to lose weight more easily.

How to use Xenical?

The suggested dose is one Orlistat 120mg capsule via oral route with liquid at each main meal composed of fat. You must take the medication up to 3 times a day in combination with a decreased calorie diet. Each time you consume Orlistat, your nutritionally balanced meal must contain no more than 30% of calories from fat. You must divide your daily consumption of fat evenly, proteins, and carbs over 3 main meals. Take the medication during meals or up to 1 hour subsequent to a meal. You must try to follow a healthy eating program, including one from which no more than 30% of calories derive from fat.

This eating program must be implemented to help you lose weight while reducing a few likely gastrointestinal effects you may experience while consuming the capsule of Orlistat. As the drug interferes with your body's absorption of few fat-soluble vitamins, you must consume a daily multivitamin supplement comprising of vitamins A, D, E, and K as well as beta carotene once a day at least 2 hours prior to or subsequent to the intake of this drug, such as at bedtime.

What if I miss the dose of medicine?

If, for any reason, you miss out on taking a dose of this capsule, take it as soon as possible. On the other hand, if it is roughly the time for your next capsule, you can miss out on the dose that you forgot to take. Never take two doses to compensate for a missed one.

What are the side effects of Xenical?

Like all drugs, Orlistat can result in side effects, even though not every person gets them. The most common side effects that come with this medication are sudden or more frequent bowel motions, wind with or without oily spotting, as well as soft stools. These result in the way the capsules work and may develop from a few fatty cells being ejected from your body. Such effects classically crop up within the initial few weeks of the medicine usage, before you may have learned to limit the quantity of fat in your diet.

What are the safety/warnings/precautions for Xenical?

If you have earlier tried losing weight by means of a suitable diet and exercise and have not acquired desirable outcomes, you can consider the use of Orlistat. The medication is clinically proven to help you lose 50% more weight than by means of dieting alone.

Orlistat is only safe for individuals with a BMI above the age of 30 or for individuals with a BMI of over 28 who have conditions associated with weight such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

What are the possible drug interactions for Xenical?

Inform your doctor if you are taking a Xenical capsule while taking any of the following drugs:

• Anti-HIV drugs
• Anticoagulants, such as warfarin
• Antidiabetics
• Cholesterol-lowering medicines
• Amiodarone

Is there a Generic Xenical available?

Yes, the generic equivalent to Xenical: Orlistat is available.

Can I buy Xenical without prescription?

No, a valid prescription is required for this medication.

Important

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your healthcare professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.