Xenical

Generic name: Orlistat

Drug class: Peripherally acting antiobesity agents

Dosage forms: Capsule

Root of administration: Oral

Dose: 60, 120 mg

Mechanism of action: Xenical blocks some of the fat that you eat, keeping it from being absorbed by your body.

Drug usage cases: Xenical is used to aid in weight loss, or to help reduce the risk of regaining weight already lost. This medicine must be used together with a reduced-calorie diet and is to used only by adults.

Drug contra indications: You should not use Xenical if you are allergic to orlistat, or if you have malabsorption syndrome (an inability to absorb food and nutrients properly). You also should not use this medicine if you have:

gallbladder problems; or if you are pregnant. Do not use all if:

you are not overweight; you have had an organ transplant; or you use cyclosporine (to prevent organ transplant rejection). To make sure Xenical is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

kidney stones; gallbladder disease; pancreatitis; underactive thyroid; liver disease; kidney disease; or an eating disorder (anorexia or bulimia). Xenical is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old. Do not give alli to anyone under 18 years old.

Side effects: Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Xenical: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Xenical and call your doctor at once if you have:

severe stomach pain; severe pain in your lower back; blood in your urine, painful or difficult urination; kidney problems – little or no urinating; swelling in your feet or ankles; feeling tired or short of breath; or liver problems – nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Warnings: You should not use this medicine if you have a digestive disorder (problems absorbing food). You should not use Xenical if you have gallbladder problems, or if you are pregnant. Do not use all if you have had an organ transplant, if you use cyclosporine, or if you are not overweight. Xenical is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Your daily intake of fat, protein, and carbohydrates should be evenly divided over all of your daily meals. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Avoid a diet that is high in fat. High-fat meals taken in combination with Xenical can increase your risk of unpleasant side effects on your stomach or intestines.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Do not take Xenical if you are pregnant. Weight loss is not recommended during pregnancy, even if you are overweight. Stop taking orlistat and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Taking orlistat can make it harder for your body to absorb certain vitamins. These vitamins are important if you are nursing a baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor’s advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.