XENICAL is an oral
prescription weight loss medication used to help obese people lose
weight and keep this weight off. 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. XENICAL
should be used together with a reduced-calorie diet that your doctor
will recommend.
How does XENICAL work?
If you eat an excessive amount of fat or calories, the excess is
stored as fat by the body, resulting in weight gain. When you eat
fat, your body breaks it down into its simplest components so that
it can be digested.
Unlike other weight-loss drugs you may have heard about that act in
the brain or central nervous system to suppress appetite or to speed
up metabolism, XENICAL works in your digestive system to block about
one-third of the fat in the food you eat from being digested.
Enzymes in your digestive system, called lipases, help digest (or
break down) fat. When taken with meals, XENICAL attaches to the
lipases and blocks them from breaking down some of the fat you have
eaten.
The undigested fat cannot be absorbed and is eliminated in your
bowel movements. By working this way, XENICAL helps block about
one-third of the fat in the foods you eat from being absorbed by
your body.
How should I take XENICAL?
The recommended dose is one 120 mg capsule by mouth with liquid at
each main meal that contains fat. You can take XENICAL in
conjunction with a mildly reduced-calorie diet up to 3 times a day.
Each time you take XENICAL, your meal should contain no more than
about 30% of calories from fat. Take XENICAL during meals or up to
one 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.
Should I take XENICAL with a
multivitamin?
XENICAL interferes with your body’s absorption of some fat-soluble
vitamins. Therefore, when you use XENICAL, you should take a daily
multivitamin supplement that contains vitamins D, E, K, and
beta-carotene. Take your multivitamin once a day at least 2 hours
before or after taking XENICAL, such as at bedtime.
Can I take XENICAL while taking other
medications?
Be sure to discuss with your doctor all medications (including
herbal medicines) you are currently taking, including medicines you
can get without a prescription (over-the-counter), to determine if
XENICAL can be taken in addition to these medications.
How long should I take XENICAL?
The use of XENICAL for more than 2 years has not been studied. You
and your doctor should discuss how long you should use XENICAL.
Who should not use XENICAL?
Those who consistently have problems absorbing food (chronic
malabsorption); or have gallbladder problems; or are pregnant or are
breastfeeding a child; or have ever had an allergic reaction to
orlistat or any of the inactive ingredients in XENICAL.
What are the most common side effects
of XENICAL?
Because XENICAL works by blocking the absorption of dietary fat, it
is likely that you will experience some changes in bowel habits.
These generally occur during the first two weeks of treatment;
however, they may continue throughout your use of XENICAL. These
changes may include oily spotting, gas with discharge, urgent need
to go to the bathroom, oily or fatty stools, and oily discharge,
increased number of bowel movements, and inability to control bowel
movements. Due to the presence of undigested fat, the oil seen in a
bowel movement may be clear or have a coloration such as orange or
brown.
These bowel changes are a natural effect of blocking the fat from
being absorbed and indicate that XENICAL is working. They generally
occur early in treatment, particularly after meals containing higher
amounts of fat than are recommended. These symptoms are often
temporary and may lessen or disappear as you continue treatment and
keep to your recommended diet of meals containing no more that about
30% fat. However, these side effects may occur in some individuals
over a period of 6 months or longer.
What lifestyle changes should I
consider when taking XENICAL?
You must use XENICAL with a recommended mildly reduced-calorie diet.
You should also follow a program of regular physical activity, such
as walking. However, before you undertake any activity or exercise
program, be sure to speak with your doctor or health care
professional.
How can I reduce dietary fat?
To help you get started on reducing the fat in your diet to around
30%, read the labels on the foods you buy. You should avoid foods
that contain more than 30% fat while you are taking XENICAL.
Limit one portion of meat, poultry, and fish to 2 or 3 ounces
(roughly the size of a deck of cards). Choose lean cuts of meat and
remove the skin from poultry. Fill up your meal plate by including
more grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Replace whole-milk products with nonfat or 1% milk and nonfat,
reduced-fat, or low-fat dairy items.
Cook with less fat. Use vegetable oil spray when cooking. Salad
dressings, many baked items, and prepackaged, processed, and fast
foods are usually high in fat. Use the low- or non-fat versions
and/or cut back on serving sizes.
When dining out, ask how foods are prepared and request that they be
prepared with little or no added fat.
