Xenical (Orlistat)

Common use

        Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor which used for helping you to lose your weight and also keep it from returning. Orlistat is prescribed for obese individuals and for overweight people who have other health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels. Orlistat blocks the absorption of dietary fat into the bloodstream, thereby reducing the number of calories you get from a meal. You may use Orlistat together with diet and exercises to get more benefits. Also, note that as long as you take the drug you will get a result.

Dosage and direction

        Consult with your doctor before using. Use no more than was prescribed. Take it orally, generally three times daily during (or up to one hour after) each main meal that contains fat. You should take a multivitamin addition including vitamins A, D, E, and K to ensure good supply. The addition should be taken at least two hours before or after you take this medication, such as before going to bed. The recommended dose for adults and children under 12 years is one 120-milligram capsule 3 times daily. Note: this instruction presented here just for review. It’s very necessary to consult with your doctor before using. It helps you to get the best results.

Precautions

        Do not take this medication without doctor advice if you have chronic malabsorption syndrome or gallbladder problems. Do not use Orlistat if your medical history includes kidney stones, have anorexia or bulimia, have diabetes, take cyclosporine, or take any other weight-loss medicine. Weight loss begins within two weeks and continues for years. The effect of using Orlistat for more than 2 years is still unknown. If you have diabetes, weight-loss is likely to reduce your blood sugar levels. Consult to your doctor about the dosage of Orlistat if you’re taking oral diabetes medication or insulin. Orlistat should not be used during pregnancy, becoming pregnancy or lactating. Do not use before breast-feeding without doctor’s permission.

Contraindications

        Orlistat is contraindicated in: Malabsorption Reduced gallbladder function (e.g. after cholecystectomy ) Pregnancy and breastfeeding Certain kidney problems Note that the safety and efficacy of Orlistat in children younger than 12 years old have not been established.

Possible side effect

        They may include all types of an allergic reaction. Stop taking Orlistat immediately if you have severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, and a fast heart rate.

Also, the most possible side effects include:

• oily spotting in your undergarments;

• oily or fatty stools;

• orange or brown coloured oil in your stool;

• gas with discharge, an oily discharge;

• loose stools, or an urgent need to go to the bathroom, inability to control bowel movements;

• an increased number of bowel movements; stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, rectal pain;

• loss of appetite, weakness, clay-coloured stools, dark urine, itching, or jaundice.

Less serious include:

• problems with your teeth or gums;

• cold symptoms such as the stuffy nose, sneezing, cough;

• fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms;

• headache, back pain;

• mild skin rash.

        If you experience one of them stop using Orlistat and tell your doctor as soon as possible. Also, consult with your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual.

Drug interaction

        Orlistat interacts with the follow drugs: Cyclosporine and Warfarin. Also, note that the interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. As usual, it affects the effect of drugs, so consult with your doctor about how it interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Missed dose

        If you forgot to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or almost time for your next dose. Do not increase your recommended dose. Take your usual dose next day in the same regularly time.

Overdose

        Symptoms of Orlistat overdose are not known. But If you experience one of the unusual symptoms call your doctor immediately.

Storage

        Store at room temperature between 20-25 C (68-77 F).