Drug Name: XENICAL
IMPORTANT XENICAL NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE
FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR
OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO INDICATE
THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR YOU.
CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING XENICAL.
ORLISTAT - ORAL (OR-lih-stat)
COMMON XENICAL BRAND NAME(S):
Xenical, (Orlistat)
XENICAL USES:
Xenical is used with a reduced-calorie diet to help significantly
overweight persons lose weight. Xenical also helps to prevent regaining
weight previously lost. Xenical (Orlistat) works by blocking some
of the fat normally digested by the intestine.
HOW TO USE XENICAL:
Take Xenical (Orlistat) by mouth, generally three times daily during
(or up to one hour after) each main meal that contains fat. Your
daily intake of fat, protein and carbohydrate should be evenly spread
over three main meals. If a meal is occasionally missed or contains
no fat, skip that Xenical (Orlistat) dose of the medication. Because
Xenical (Orlistat) can interfere with absorption of fat-soluble
vitamins (e.g., A,D,E,K), a daily multivitamin supplement containing
these nutrients is recommended. Take the multivitamin at least 2
hours before or 2 hours after Xenical (Orlistat) (e.g., at bedtime).
The effects of Xenical (Orlistat) may begin as soon as 1-2 days
after Xenical (Orlistat) treatment begins; noticeable weight loss
will take longer.
XENICAL SIDE EFFECTS:
Fatty/oily stool, oily spotting, intestinal gas with discharge,
bowel movement urgency, poor bowel control, or headaches may occur
while taking Xenical (Orlistat). If these effects persist or worsen,
notify your doctor promptly. Intestinal side effects (e.g., oily
stool) may increase in intensity if you exceed your daily dietary
fat allowance. If you notice other effects from taking Xenical (Orlistat)
not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
XENICAL PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies, digestive
disorders (malabsorption or cholestasis), low thyroid function (hypothyroidism),
other metabolism problems (e.g., oxalate kidney stones, hyperoxaluria).
Xenical (Orlistat) should not be used if you have anorexia nervosa
or bulimia-type eating disorders. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant
before using Xenical (Orlistat). The manufacturer does not recommend
use of Xenical (Orlistat) during pregnancy. It is not known whether
Xenical (Orlistat) is excreted into breast milk. Because of the
potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using Xenical
(Orlistat) is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding
if you are considering using Xenical (Orlistat).
XENICAL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication
you use, especially of: cyclosporine, "blood thinners"
(e.g., warfarin), drugs for diabetes (e.g., insulin), other drugs
used for weight loss. Cyclosporine, Xenical (Orlistat) should be
taken at least 2 hours before or after orlistat to assure maximum
absorption of the cyclosporine into your bloodstream. Do not start
or stop Xenical (Orlistat) or any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
XENICAL OVERDOSE:
If Xenical (Orlistat) overdose is suspected, contact your local
poison control center or emergency room immediately.
XENICAL NOTES:
Do not share Xenical (Orlistat) with others. Follow your doctor-approved
nutritional, reduced-calorie diet containing about 30 percent calories
from fat. Also, exercise is recommended; however, first consult
your doctor or pharmacist.
MISSED XENICAL DOSE:
If you miss a Xenical (Orlistat) dose, take Xenical (Orlistat) as
soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next Xenical
(Orlistat) dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual Xenical
(Orlistat) dosing schedule. Do not double the Xenical (Orlistat)
dose to catch up.
XENICAL STORAGE:
Store Xenical (Orlistat) at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees
F (15-30 degrees C) and place Xenical (Orlistat) away from light
and moisture. |