Orlistat xenical,Weight Loss Drug Information
What are Orlistat capsules?
Orlistat-Xenical is used to help obese people lose weight and keep
the weight off while eating a reduced-calorie diet. Orlistat decreases
the amount of fat that is absorbed from your diet. Generic orlistat
capsules are not yet available on the market.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•an eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia
•problems absorbing food (chronic malabsorption)
•gallbladder problems or gallstones
•diabetes
•if you are taking any other weight-loss medications
•an unusual or allergic reaction to orlistat, other medicines, foods, dyes, supplements or preservatives
GENERIC NAME: orlistat
BRAND NAME: Xenical, alli
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Orlistat Xenical is a drug that promotes loss of
weight by preventing the digestion and absorption of fat in food. In the
intestine, an enzyme called lipase (produced primarily by the pancreas) breaks
apart fat in food so that it can be absorbed into the body. Orlistat blocks the
action of lipase and thereby prevents the breakup and absorption of fat.
Orlistat blocks absorption of about 25% of the fat in a meal. The unabsorbed fat
is excreted in the stool. The FDA approved Orlistat by prescription in 1999.
alli, a lower dose formulation of orlistat, was approved for purchase without a
prescription “over the counter” in 2007.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it within one hour following the meal that
contains fat. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that
dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What side effects may I notice from taking Orlistat Xenical?
The side effects seen with orlistat are related to the reduced
absorption of fat from your diet. Gastrointestinal (GI) side effects
may last for less than one week, but have occurred for up to 6 months
or longer. Maintaining an appropriate diet can help decrease side
effects. The use of orlistat for greater than 2 years has not been
studied.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•arthritis or joint pain/tenderness
•back pain
•rash, itching, or shortness of breath
•severe stomach pain
•yellow color appearing in your skin or the whites of your eyes
•weakness or fainting
What is Xenical used for?
Xenical is used to help obese people
who fit certain weight and height requirements lose weight and maintain weight loss.
Xenical works in your intestines, where it blocks some of the fat you eat from being
absorbed. This undigested fat is then eliminated in your bowel movements. Use Xenical
together with a reduced-calorie diet. The weight management effects of Xenical continue
only as long as you are taking it.
Who should not take Orlistat-Xenical?
You cannot take Xenical if you:
- have problems absorbing food
- have gallbladder problems
- are pregnant, or breast-feeding a child
People with certain kidney problems may not be able to take Xenical.
September 12th, 2007 at 6:19 pm
[...] appetite suppressants, orlistat (Xenical) works as a weight loss aid by acting upon the function of the gastrointestinal tract. The drug [...]