Generic Name

Orlistat (OR-li-stat)

Brand Name

Xenical

Uses

This medication is used with a reduced-calorie diet to help significantly overweight persons lose weight. It also helps to prevent regaining weight previously lost. Orlistat works by blocking some of the fat normally digested by the intestine

Taking XENICAL

The recommended dose is one 120-mg capsule by mouth with liquid at each main meal that contains fat. You should take XENICAL up to three times a day in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet. Each time you take XENICAL, your nutritionally balanced meal should contain no more than about 30% of calories from fat. You should evenly divide your daily intake of fat, carbohydrates and protein over three main meals. Take XENICAL during meals or up to 1 hour after a meal. If you occasionally miss a meal or have a meal without fat, you can omit your dose of XENICAL. Doses above 120-mg three times daily have not been shown to provide an additional weight-loss benefit

Possible side effects of Xenical

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome

Bowel movement urgency; gas with discharge; inability to control bowel movements; increased number of bowel movements; oily discharge; oily or fatty stools; oily spotting

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); severe or persistent stomach pain

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider

Precaution

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). This drug should not be used if you have anorexia nervosa or bulimia-type eating disorders. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. The manufacturer does not recommend use of this drug during pregnancy. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding

General information

• If you have any questions about Xenical , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider
• Xenical is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor

This information is summary only. It does not contain all information about Xenical . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider

Storage Conditions

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Keep bottle tightly closed.