Xenical

Drug Name - Xenical (Orlistat)

Xenical (Orlistat) is useful in the treatment of obesity and helps reduce the amount of fat content of the body. It does not have an action on reducing the appetite.

Indications for Use

Xenical is indicated for use in people who are obese for weight reduction and has been successfully used in a vast number of people. It can be taken by people who are above the age group of 12 years.

Instructions for Use

Xenical is used as per the instructions provided by the physician who prescribed it.

• Read the instructions provided on the label of the medicine before use. Xenical can be used by people who are overweight in comparison to their height. Be sure to check with your doctor about any doubts you have about the use of the drug.
• Xenical is consumed with the food and the daily dosage should not exceed three capsules in a day.
• If the food you are consuming does not have fat or if you are missing a meal, then Xenical need not be taken.
• As Xenical causes reduced vitamin absorption in the body, it is essential to take a vitamin supplement once daily.

Drug Category and Mechanism of Action

Xenical works in reducing your weight as it prevents the absorption of fat. It does not cause any suppression of appetite. It can be used over extended periods of time and effectiveness has been proved over 1-2 years of use. As fat in the foods are prevented from being absorbed, more than 30 percent of the fat in the food will be eliminated through feces. This prevention of fat absorption helps in the reduction of excess weight and prevents you from putting on additional weight.

Xenical also has actions on altering many factors like blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar which can lead to complications like hypertension or diabetes if left unchecked.

If You Miss a Dose

In case you forget to take a dose, consume it as once you recollect that you missed a dose. In case the time when you remember is close to the next scheduled dose, avoid taking the dose you have missed and take the tablet only at the next scheduled time.

Storing Instructions

The drug is best stored at room temperature between 20-25 degrees C (68-77 degrees F). Avoid direct contact with moisture or sunlight. Avoid storing the drug in the bathroom. Avoid storing Nexium where children and pets can reach the drug.

Safety Information

Avoid using Xenical under the following conditions:

• Allergic reactions to any ingredient in the medication
• If you are not obese
• If you have problems like cholestasis or other problems that affect food absorption
• If you have had an organ transplant
• If you are on medications such as cyclosporine

Caution

• Avoid taking a higher dose than what has been prescribed without consulting the doctor as it increases the possibilities of causing adverse effects and have no changes to the weight loss.
• It is essential to compound the treatment with a regulated diet and exercise regime. Check with your doctor for a proper schedule.
• Xenical has the possibility of altering bowel movements and the type of stools (loose stools, oily stools with passing of gas, frequent passing of stools). Some reduction of these effects can be seen if the fat content in the food is reduced.
• Inform your doctor that you are currently taking Xenical if you are about to get some medical or dental treatment done.
• Xenical can alter the blood sugar levels. If diabetics are taking Xenical, they should frequently monitor their sugar levels and check if any changes to the diabetic medicine should be done.
• Xenical is not indicated for use in children below the age of 18 years as their safety and effects have not been fully established.
• Pregnancy and Breast feeding - Avoid taking Xenical if you become pregnant. Inform your doctor of your pregnancy. The presence of Xenical in breast milk has not been studied. It is best you avoid Xenical if you are a nursing mother.

Probable Adverse Effects

Seek medical attention if you are suffering from any of the serious side effects such as allergic reactions, severe or constant stomach ache occurs. Also be sure to inform your doctor if you are suffering from some of the common side effects such as diarrhea, oily spotting, difficulty in avoiding bowel movement, loose stools, increased frequency of passing stools or gas with discharge occur.

Additional Information

Xenical should only be taken by the person to whom it was recommended. Avoid sharing the drug with anyone. If the symptoms that you are experiencing are not improving or is going still worse, it is best to consult the doctor.