Weight Loss Drugs: Xenical
What is XENICAL?
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.
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