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Brand
Name:
Xenical
Pronunciation:
ZEN-eh-kal
Generic Name:
Orlistat
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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.
Xenical is prescribed for the frankly obese and for merely
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 (BMI), a comparison
of height to weight.
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Along with dietary fat, Xenical decreases the absorption
of some fat-soluble vitamins and beta-carotene. To compensate,
you should take a multivitamin containing vitamins A, E, D,
and K once a day, at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking
Xenical.
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Do not take Xenical if you suffer from "chronic
malabsorption syndrome" --- a condition that prevents nutrients
from passing from your stomach into your bloodstream --- or
from cholestasis, a blockage in the supply of bile needed for
digestion. You'll also need to avoid Xenical if it gives
you an allergic reaction
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Take a capsule of Xenical during, or up to 1 hour after,
each main meal. You should follow a nutritionally balanced,
low-calorie diet that provides no more than 30 percent of its
calories from fat. If you miss a meal, or the meal contains
no fat, you can skip the accompanying dose of Xenical.
-If you miss a dose... Resume taking Xenical at the next
meal.
Don't try to make up the loss with a double dose. The extra
Xenical won't help.
-Storage instructions... Store Xenical at room temperature,
in a tightly sealed container. |
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Weight loss begins within 2 weeks and continues for 6 to 12
months. The effect of using Xenical for more than 2 years
is still unknown.
Side effects such as diarrhea and abdominal pain may be worse
if you continue eating a high fat diet or even take a high-fat
meal. Limit your fat intake.
Your doctor will test your thyroid function before starting
you on Xenical to make sure that your weight problem
is not due to an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism).
Xenical is not an appropriate remedy for this problem.
Xenical increases the likelihood of kidney stones. Use
it with caution if you have a history of this problem.
If you have diabetes, weight-loss is likely to reduce your blood
sugar levels. If you're taking an oral diabetes medication or
insulin, your dose may have to be reduced. Note that the safety
and efficacy of this drug in children have not been established.
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If Xenical is taken with certain other drugs, the effects
of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially
important to check with your doctor before combining Xenical
with the following:
Cyclosporine
(Neoral and Sandimmune), Pravastatin (Pravachol), Warfarin
(Coumadin)
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The effects of Xenical during pregnancy have not been
adequately studied and the drug is not recommended for pregnant
women. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform
your doctor immediately.
It is not known whether Xenical appears in breast milk.
Do not take Xenical while breast-feeding. |
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Adults:
The recommended dose is one 120-milligram Xenical capsule
3 times daily (with each main meal containing fat). |
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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.
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