Generic Xenical (Orlistat, Xenical®)

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Xenical is a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor used in the management of obesity in adult and adolescent patients age 12 and older. This medicine may be used during the weight loss phase or following weight loss to assist in weight management. Generic Xenical works by inhibiting the digestion of fats from the diet, and should be used with a reduced-calorie diet.

Directions

The recommended dose is one 120 mg capsule by mouth with liquid at each main meal that contains fat. Take Generic Xenical with a mildly reduced -calorie diet up to 3 times a day or up to one hour after a meal.

Side Effects

Because Generic Xenical works by blocking the absorption of dietary fat, it is likely that you will experience some changes in bowel habits. Side effects include oily spotting, gas with discharge, oily or fatty stools, increased number of bowel movements and inability to control bowel movements. These side effects generally become less common as treatment continues.

Precautions

Tell your doctor, if you suffer from allergies, digestive disorders, low thyroid function, other metabolism problems, gall bladder problems, gall stones, pregnant or breast feeding.

Drug interactions

Inform your Doctor of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking, especially if you are taking Cyclosporine, Pravastatin and Warfarin.

What is the most important information I should know about 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 contains 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.
• Do not take more of this medication than has been prescribed for you. Doses greater than 120 mg three times a day have not been shown to provide any additional weight-loss benefit.

What is Xenical?

• Xenical blocks some of the fat that you eat from being absorbed by your body.
• Xenical is used in the management of obesity including weight loss and weight maintenance when used with a reduced-calorie diet.
• Xenical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Xenical?

• Do not take Xenical without first talking to your doctor if you have
  • chronic malabsorption syndrome (an inability to absorb food and nutrients properly), 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 (Sandimmune, Neoral).
• 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.

How should I take Xenical?

• Take Xenical exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Xenical is usually taken with each main meal that contains fat. Xenical can be taken during meals or up to one hour after a meal.
• 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.
• If you miss a meal, or if you have a meal without fat, you can skip your dose of Xenical for that meal also.
• If Xenical is taken with any one meal that is very high in fat, there is an increased chance of digestive side effects.
• Do not take more of this medication than has been prescribed for you. Doses greater than 120 mg three times a day have not been shown to provide an additional weight-loss benefit.
• Xenical may decrease your body’s absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins. To ensure adequate nutrition, your doctor may recommend taking a multivitamin that contains 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.
• Store Xenical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose up to one hour after a meal. If more than one hour has passed since your last meal, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
• If you miss a meal, or if you have a meal without fat, you can skip your dose of Xenical for that meal also.

What happens if I overdose?

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

What should I avoid while taking 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.

What are the possible side effects of Xenical?

• 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;
  • oily or fatty stools;
  • orange or brown colored oil in your stool;
  • gas with discharge, an oily discharge;
  • an urgent need to go to the bathroom;
  • an inability to control bowel movements, or;
  • an increased number of bowel movements.
• 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.

What other drugs will affect Xenical?

• Do not take Xenical without first talking to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
  • cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), or
  • warfarin (Coumadin).
• You may not be able to take Xenical, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
• Xenical may decrease your body’s absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins. To ensure adequate nutrition, your doctor may recommend taking a multivitamin that contains 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.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Xenical. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking or using any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.