Xenical (Orlistat)
ABOUT XENICAL
Xenical is a prescription weight-control
medication useful for the long-term treatment of significant obesity.
Xenical can also help to improve risk factors, such as high blood pressure,
high cholesterol and high blood sugar which, if not treated, could lead
to other diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. Each capsule contains
120 mg of the active substance orlistat, which acts as a lipase inhibitor.
USES:
Xenical is a prescription weight-control
medication useful for the long-term treatment of significant obesity. This
medication can also help to improve risk factors, such as high blood
pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar which, if not treated,
could lead to other diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. Each
Xenical capsule contains 120 mg of the active substance orlistat, which
acts as a lipase inhibitor. Xenical is a weight loss medication that
targets the absorption of fat in your body rather than suppressing your
appetite. It is useful for long term use and has been shown to be effective
for 1-2 years.
Dietary fats are inhibited from being
absorbed and this allows about 30% of the fat eaten in the meal to pass
through the gut undigested. This helps you to reduce and maintain your
weight, as well as to minimize any weight regain.
DOSAGE:
Xenical is taken 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. Your medicine
should be swallowed with water.
CONTRA-INDICATIONS:
Allergy to Xenical or chronic malabsorption
syndromes such as sprue or steatorrhea. Xenical is not intended to be
used in children or pregnant and nursing women.
PRECAUTIONS:
This medicine can cause changes in your
bowel habits, such as fatty or oily stools, due to the elimination of
undigested fat in your stool. Xenical reduces the absorption of supplements
of some fat soluble nutrients, particularly beta-carotene and vitamin
E. You should therefore follow your doctor's advice in taking a well
balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Loose stools and increased gas or flatulence.
These symptoms are generally mild, occur at the beginning of treatment,
go away after a short period of time and are particularly experienced
after meals containing high levels of fat. Normally, these symptoms
disappear if you continue treatment and keep to your recommended diet.