Brand Name:Xenical

Generic Name:Orlistat. This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses:Xenical blocks absorption of dietary fat into the bloodstream, thereby reducing the number of calories you get from a meal. At the usual dosage level, it cuts fat absorption by almost one-third. Combined with a low-calorie diet, it is used to promote weight loss and discourage the return of unwanted pounds.
The drug is prescribed for obese individuals and for overweight people who have other health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol levels. Your weight status is determined by your body mass index, a comparison of height to weight.

How to Take:Adults and children 12 years and older. The recommended dose is one 120 milligram capsule 3 times daily with each main meal containing fat.

Warning and Precautions:Do not take more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor. Exceeding the recommended dose will not make you lose more weight and may increase side effects.
Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Xenical before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
Follow the diet program given to you by your health care provider. Your daily intake of fat should be divided evenly over 3 meals.
Eating a meal high in fat while taking Xenical increases the risk of side effects involving the stomach and intestines.
Diabetes patients - Xenical may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking amiodarone.
Xenical should not be used in children younger than 12 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

Missed Dose:Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose:The results of a massive overdose of Xenical are unknown, although the drug seems relatively harmless. However, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention.

Storage:Store Xenical below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Xenical out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Possible Side Effects:More common side effects may include: abdominal discomfort or pain, anxiety, arthritis, back pain, diarrhea, dizziness, earache, fatigue, fatty or oily stools, fecal urgency or incontinence, flu, gas with fecal discharge, gum problems, headache, increased defecation, menstrual problems, muscle pain, nausea, oily discharge, rectal discomfort or pain, respiratory tract infections, skin rash, sleep problems, tooth problems, urinary tract infections, vaginal inflammation, vomiting.

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Xenical. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.