Xenical is used to help obese people who fit certain weight and height requirements lose weight and maintain weight loss. Xenical works in your intestines, where it blocks some of the fat you eat from being absorbed. This undigested fat is then eliminated in your bowel movements. Use Xenical together with a reduced-calorie diet. The weight management effects of Xenical continue only as long as you are taking it.

How Xenical Is Taken

Xenical comes in a capsule to take it orally. Xenical is usually taken tree times a day with food. Take Xenical exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of Xenical or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Xenical should be given with meals. A diet consisting of daily intake of fat (30% of total calories), carbohydrates, and protein should be distributed evenly over 3 main meals.

Warnings/Precautions on Xenical

Do not take Xenical without first talking to your doctor if you have a chronic malabsorption syndrome, or gallbladder problems. You may not be able to take Xenical if you have any of the conditions listed above. Before taking Xenical, talk to your doctor if you have a history of kidney stones, have diabetes, have anorexia or bulimia, take any other weight-loss medicine, or take cyclosporine. You may not be able to take Xenical, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Xenical is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Do not take Xenical without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether Xenical passes into breast milk. Do not take Xenical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Xenical Missed Dose

If you miss a dose resume taking Xenical at the next meal. Do not try to make up the loss with a double dose. The extra drug will not help.

Xenical Possible Side Effects

Stop taking Xenical and seek emergency medical attention if you experience a rare allergic reaction including shortness of breath; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives. Other, less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Continue to take Xenical and talk to your doctor if you experience oily spotting, gas with discharge, an urgent need to go to the bathroom, oily or fatty stools, an oily discharge, an increased number of bowel movements, an inability to control bowel movements, or orange or brown colored oil in your stool. The bowel changes listed above are a natural effect of blocking fat and indicate that Xenical is working. They generally occur early in treatment, particularly after meals containing higher amounts of fat than are recommended. These symptoms are usually temporary and lessen or disappear as you continue treatment and keep to your recommended diet of meals containing 30% fat. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Xenical Storage

Store this medication at room temperature and out of the reach of children. Protect from moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Xenical Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a Xenical overdose are not known.

More Information on Xenical

Xenical may decrease your body's absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins. To ensure adequate nutrition, your doctor may recommend taking a multivitamin that contain vitamins D, E, K, and beta-carotene. Take your vitamin supplement once a day, at least 2 hours before or after a dose of Xenical. Each time you take Xenical, your meal should contain no more than about 30% of calories from fat. Evenly divide your daily intake of fat, carbohydrates, and protein over three main meals a day. Talk to your doctor about following a healthy eating plan.

Xenical Disclaimer

Xenical drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of Xenical. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.

What is/are Orlistat Capsules?

Orlistat is used to help obese people lose weight and keep the weight off while eating a reduced-calorie diet. This medicine decreases the amount of fat that is absorbed from your diet. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with each main meal that contains about 30 percent of the calories from fat or one hour after the meal. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. If you occasionally miss a meal or have a meal without fat, you can skip that dose of this medicine.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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.

What may interact with this medicine?

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Changes in your eyesight, skin or hair may be signs of a vitamin deficiency. Since this medicine 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 this medicine unless otherwise directed by your doctor or healthcare professional.

You should use this medicine with a reduced-calorie diet that contains no more than about 30 percent of the calories from fat. Divide your daily intake of fat, carbohydrates, and protein evenly over your 3 main meals. You should try to follow a healthy eating plan like the one developed by the American Heart Association. Following this eating plan can help reduce the possible side effects from this medicine.

Where should I keep this medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.