Xenical (Orlistat)

What is Xenical?

Xenical (orlistat) is a lipase inhibitor that is used for obesity management.

What is Xenical used for?

Xenical is used with a reduced-calorie diet, exercise, and behavior modification program to help obese or overweight persons lose weight. This further helps reduce certain health risks such as heart disease diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglycerides, some forms of cancer, and certain breathing problems.

How does Xenical work?

Xenical works by blocking the enzyme that breaks down fats in the diet, and thus keeping the fats from being absorbed by the body. The undigested fat then passes out of the body in bowel movement.  However, the medication does not block absorption of calories from sugar or other non-fat foods. Therefore, it is advisable that the patient takes care of the total intake of calories.

How to use Xenical

Xenical should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The medicine is usually taken thrice daily, with some form of a liquid. It is to be taken during each main meal that contains fat or within an hour after the meal. If you occasionally miss your meal or take a meal that has no fat content, then skip the dose. It is advisable that you take a daily multivitamin supplement containing fat soluble vitamins including A, D, E, and K. Take the multivitamin supplement at least 2 hours before or after taking Xenical.

Xenical warnings and precautions

Do not take Xenical if you are allergic to orlistat, or if you have chronic mal-absorption syndrome or certain gallbladder problems.

Prior to taking this medicine, intimate your doctor if you have an underactive thyroid, liver disease, diabetes (type 1 or type 2), an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia, a history of gallstones or pancreatitis, or if you take other weight-loss medicines.

If you take cyclosporine, take it at least 2 hours before or after taking Xenical so that cyclosporine is absorbed well into the bloodstream. If you take levothyroxine, take it at least 4 hours before or after taking Xenical.

Avoid a high-fat diet as it can increase risk of side effects on stomach or intestines. This medicine should not be given to children under 18 years of age, unless prescribed by a doctor.

Pregnant and lactating women should not use Xenical without consulting their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Xenical dose?

If you have missed your Xenical dose, you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it has been more than an hour since you last had your meal. In such conditions, it is advisable that you skip the missed dose and take the next, regularly scheduled dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Xenical overdose?

If you have taken a Xenical overdose, you should seek emergency medical attention.

Xenical interactions

Before taking Xenical, consult your doctor if you take cyclosporine (Neoral, Gengraf, Sandimmune), insulin or diabetes medicines taken orally, blood thinner, levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Levothroid, Synthroid), or digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin).

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drugs that you use. Also, do not start taking any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Xenical side effects

Xenical side effects include hives, severe stomach ache spreading to the back, nausea, vomiting, fast heart rate; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat; and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Xenical, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor.

Oily spotting in undergarments, brown-colored oil in stool, oily or fatty stools, gas with an oily discharge, loose stools, an increased urge to go to the toilet, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, rectal pain, weakness, dark urine, clay-colored stools, loss of appetite, itching, jaundice, problem with teeth or gums, stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat, fever, chills, backache, headache, and mild skin rash are some less serious side effects of Xenical. These are indeed natural side effects.