Why is this medication prescribed?

Xenical is a brand name for the medication orlistat. It is a prescription drug used to help overweight or obese people lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. Xenical is often prescribed in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and an exercise program.

Orlistat works by blocking the absorption of some of the fat from the food you eat. It does this by inhibiting the action of lipase, an enzyme in the digestive system that breaks down fat. When fat absorption is reduced, the body excretes the undigested fat in the stool, leading to weight loss over time.

How should this medicine be used?

Here are some general guidelines on how Xenical should be used:

• Dosage: The typical dosage of Xenical is one 120 mg capsule taken with each of the three main meals per day. It should be taken during or up to one hour after a meal containing fat.
• Dietary Guidelines: Xenical is most effective when used in conjunction with a low-calorie, low-fat diet. It’s important to follow the dietary recommendations provided by your healthcare provider or dietitian.
• Fat Intake: To minimize side effects and improve the effectiveness of Xenical, it’s recommended to limit dietary fat intake. Your healthcare provider will provide guidance on the appropriate amount of fat you should consume.
• Multivitamin Supplement: Since Xenical may interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, it is often recommended to take a multivitamin supplement containing fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) at bedtime, but at least two hours before or after taking Xenical.
• Consistency: Xenical works best when taken consistently with each meal. If a meal is missed or contains no fat, the medication does not need to be taken.

It’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and not to adjust the dosage or use Xenical differently than prescribed. Additionally, inform your healthcare provider about any other medications or supplements you are taking, as they may interact with Xenical.

As with any medication, Xenical can have side effects, and its use should be monitored by a healthcare professional. If you are considering Xenical for weight loss, consult with your healthcare provider to determine if it is a suitable option for you based on your individual health and weight loss goals.

Other uses for this medicine

Xenical (orlistat) is primarily approved for the treatment of obesity, and its main use is to aid in weight loss. There aren’t commonly recognized alternative uses for Xenical outside of this context. It’s crucial to use Xenical only under the supervision and guidance of a healthcare professional who can assess your specific health conditions and weight loss needs.

What special precautions should I follow?

As for special precautions when using Xenical, here are some important considerations:

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Xenical is not recommended for use during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your healthcare provider. It is not known whether Xenical passes into breast milk, so if you are breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
• Digestive Issues: Xenical works by blocking the absorption of dietary fats, which can lead to increased fat content in the stool. This may cause oily spotting, gas, and loose stools. These side effects are usually temporary and can be minimized by following a low-fat diet. If you experience severe or persistent gastrointestinal issues, consult your healthcare provider.
• Liver Issues: Xenical may rarely cause liver problems. Inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of liver disease or other conditions that may affect the liver.
• Interactions with Other Medications: Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and vitamins you are taking, as Xenical may interact with some medications. This is especially important for medications that are fat-soluble.
• Kidney Stones: There have been reports of kidney stones in patients taking Xenical. If you have a history of kidney stones or other kidney problems, discuss this with your healthcare provider.
• Eating Disorders: Xenical is not suitable for individuals with eating disorders like anorexia nervosa or bulimia.
• Diabetes Medications: If you are taking medications for diabetes, your healthcare provider may need to adjust your dosage as weight loss can affect blood sugar levels.

Always take Xenical exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not adjust the dosage or stop taking it without consulting your healthcare professional. Regular follow-up visits with your healthcare provider are important to monitor progress, address any concerns, and make adjustments as needed. If you experience severe side effects or have concerns about the medication, seek medical attention promptly.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

• Low-Fat Diet: Xenical is most effective when used in conjunction with a low-calorie, low-fat diet. Follow the dietary recommendations provided by your healthcare provider or dietitian.
• Fat Intake: To minimize side effects and improve the effectiveness of Xenical, limit dietary fat intake. Your healthcare provider will provide guidance on the appropriate amount of fat you should consume.
• Multivitamin Supplement: Xenical may interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, so a multivitamin supplement containing fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) is often recommended at bedtime, but at least two hours before or after taking Xenical.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Timing: If you forget to take Xenical with a meal or if the meal contains no fat, there’s no need to take the medication.
• Consistency: Xenical works best when taken consistently with each meal. However, missing a dose occasionally is not likely to significantly impact the overall effectiveness.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Xenical (orlistat) can cause various side effects, some of which are related to its mechanism of action in preventing the absorption of dietary fats. Common side effects include:

• Gastrointestinal Issues: The most common side effects involve the digestive system and may include oily spotting, flatus with discharge, fecal urgency, and oily or fatty stools. These side effects are often a result of the unabsorbed fat passing through the digestive system.
• Abdominal Pain or Discomfort: Some individuals may experience abdominal pain, discomfort, or cramping.
• Headache: Headaches are a reported side effect in some individuals using Xenical.
• Infections: There have been reports of respiratory infections in individuals using Xenical.
• Low Blood Sugar Levels (Hypoglycemia): Xenical may affect blood sugar levels, and in some cases, it has been associated with low blood sugar. This is more relevant for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
• Allergic Reactions: While rare, some people may experience allergic reactions to Xenical. Seek medical attention if you develop symptoms like rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
• Liver Issues: Although rare, cases of serious liver injury have been reported with the use of Xenical.

It’s important to note that the gastrointestinal side effects are often more pronounced when a meal contains a high amount of fat. Following a low-fat diet can help minimize these effects.

If you experience severe or persistent side effects, it’s crucial to contact your healthcare provider promptly. Additionally, if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking other medications, inform your healthcare provider before starting Xenical to ensure it is a safe option for you.

Xenical is typically prescribed under the supervision of a healthcare professional who can monitor its effects and make adjustments as needed. If you have concerns about side effects or the overall effectiveness of Xenical, discuss them with your healthcare provider.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Xenazine:

• Storage:
  • Store Xenical at room temperature away from light and moisture.
  • Keep the medication in its original container, and make sure the container is tightly closed.
  • Do not store Xenical in the bathroom, as moisture and humidity can affect its stability.
• Disposal:
  • Dispose of unused Xenical in a proper and safe manner, following local guidelines and regulations.
  • Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for proper disposal options.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of an overdose or emergency, contact your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

What other information should I know?

• Regular Monitoring: Regular follow-up visits with your healthcare provider are important to monitor your progress, address any concerns, and make adjustments to your treatment plan if needed.
• Medical and Laboratory Tests: Your healthcare provider may conduct certain medical and laboratory tests, such as liver function tests, to monitor for potential side effects and assess the overall impact of Xenical on your health.
• Doctor’s Instructions: Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding diet, exercise, and other lifestyle modifications to maximize the effectiveness of Xenical.
• Interaction with Other Medications: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and vitamins you are taking, as Xenical may interact with some medications.
• Weight Maintenance: Xenical is often used as part of a comprehensive weight loss program. After achieving your weight loss goals, your healthcare provider may recommend a plan for weight maintenance.
• Allergies: Inform your healthcare provider about any allergies you have, as Xenical may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks and benefits of using Xenical with your healthcare provider.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice and guidance when using Xenical or any other medication. If you have questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for clarification and support.