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The following information
is a summary about Xenical. It is not intended
to replace a doctor's instructions.
(ORLISTAT - ORAL)
USES
Xenical is a prescription weight-control medication
useful for the long-term treatment of significant
obesity.
WHAT SHOULD
MY HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL KNOW BEFORE I TAKE
XENICAL?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
an eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia
problems absorbing food (chronic malabsorption)
gallbladder problems or gallstones
diabetes
an unusual or allergic reaction to orlistat,
other medicines, foods, dyes, supplements or
preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding a child
if you are taking any other weight-loss medications
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional
regarding the use of this medication in children.
Special care may be needed.
XENICAL can also help to reduce
risk factors, such as high blood pressure,
high cholesterol and high blood sugar which,
if not treated, could lead to other diseases
such as hypertension and diabetes. Each Xenical
capsule contains 120 mg of the active substance
orlistat, which acts as a lipase inhibitor.
XENICAL is a weight loss medication
that targets the absorption of fat in your
body rather than suppressing your appetite.
It is useful for long term use and has been
shown to be effective for 1-2 years. Dietary
fats are inhibited from being absorbed and
this allows about 30% of the fat eaten in
the meal to pass through the gut undigested.
This helps you to reduce and maintain your
weight, as well as to minimize any weight
regain.
PRECAUTIONS
This medicine can cause changes in your bowel
habits, such as fatty or oily stools, due
to the elimination of undigested fat in your
stool. Xenical reduces the absorption of supplements
of some fat soluble nutrients, particularly
beta-carotene and vitamin E. You should, therefore,
follow your doctor's advice in taking a well
balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables.
Xenical should not be used if you have an
allergy to it or suffer from chronic malabsorption
syndromes such as sprue or steatorrhea. It
is also not intended for use with children
or pregnant or nursing women.
HOW
TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION
Xenical is taken with each meal (three times
daily). Your daily fat intake should be divided
equally between these three meals so you will
benefit from Xenical's actions. Your medicine
should be taken with water.
WHAT
IF I MISS A DOSE?
If you miss a dose, take it within one hour
following the meal that contains fat. If it
is almost time for your next dose, take only
that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
SIDE
EFFECTS
Side effects include loose stools and increased
gas or flatulence. These symptoms are generally
mild, occur at the beginning of treatment,
go away after a short period of time and are
usually experienced after meals containing
high levels of fat. Normally, these symptoms
disappear if you continue treatment and keep
to your recommended diet.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local
poison control center or emergency room immediately.
WHAT
INTERACTIONS CAN OCCUR WITH XENICAL?
Dietary supplements, such as beta-carotene
and vitamins A, D, E, and K
warfarin
cyclosporine
pravastatin
drugs used to treat diabetes
Since orlistat can cause decreased absorption
of some fat-soluble vitamins, you may need to
take a daily multivitamin that contains normal
amounts of vitamins D, E, K and beta-carotene.
Take the multivitamin once per day at least
2 hours after your dose of orlistat unless otherwise
directed by your physician or other healthcare
professional.
Tell your prescriber or other health care professional
about all other medications you are taking including
non-prescription medications, nutritional supplements,
or herbal products. Also, tell your prescriber
or health care professional if you are a frequent
user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if
you smoke or if you use illegal drugs. These
may affect the way your medication works. Check
before stopping or starting any of your medications.
For more information on Xenical,
you can visit http://www.xenical.com/
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Xenical
