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Orlistat
Brand
Name: Xenical
Most
Common Medical Uses
Xenical
is most commonly used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet
in the management of obesity. It may also be used to treat other
conditions.
How
to Take This Medication
Take
as directed by your doctor. Xenical is most effective when taken
with a full glass of water with each meal (three times daily). Your
daily fat intake should be divided equally between these three meals
so you will benefit from Xenical's actions. Do not take this medication
longer than directed by your doctor.
Possible
Side Effects
Possible
side effects of taking Xenical include gas with discharge, an urgent
need to go to the bathroom, an increased number of bowel movements
and an inability to control bowel movements. These bowel changes
indicate that Xenical is working. They usually occur early in treatment,
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. Contact
your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following more
serious side effects: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing;
closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face;
or hives); an irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure. Talk to
your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or concerns
you.
Precautions
Xenical can reduce the absorption of supplements of some fat soluble
nutrients, particularly beta-carotene and vitamin E. Your doctor
may recommend taking a multivitamin that contains vitamins D, E,
K, and beta-carotene. You must follow your doctor's advice in consuming
a well balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables to maintain proper
health. Consult with your doctor if you think you may be pregnant
or are breast feeding.
Drug
Interactions
Talk
to your doctor if you are taking any cholesterol lowering medications
such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), cerivastatin (Baycol), fluvastatin
(Lescol), lovastatin (Mevacor) or pravastatin (Pravachol), or if
you are taking cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), or warfarin (Coumadin).
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Xenical.
Missed
Dose
If
you miss a dose of this medicine and 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.
Storage
Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container,
away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep this and all medications
out of the reach of children.
Notes
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. Do not share Xenical
with others for whom it was not prescribed, since they may have
a problem that is not effectively treated by this drug.
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