Xenical (generic ingredient: orlistat) 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.


 

FAQ

What is the indication for Xenical?
Xenical is for people who are considerably overweight (have a body mass index of 30 or greater). XENICAL is also for people who are overweight (have a body mass index of 27 or greater) and also have other risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease or diabetes. Xenical was approved by the FDA in April 1999.

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.

Can it be taken during pregnancy?
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 orlistat without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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 most common side effects?
All medicines have side effects. In general, orlistat is well-tolerated. Because XENICAL works by blocking the absorption of dietary fat, it is likely that you will experience some changes in bowel habits. These bowel changes are a natural effect of blocking the fat from being absorbed. They generally occur during the first weeks of treatment; however, for some people they may continue for 6 months or longer while on XENICAL. These changes may include gas with oily discharge, an increased number of bowel movements, an urgent need to have them, and an inability to control them, particularly after meals containing higher amounts of fat than are recommended.