Proper Use of 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.
SIDE EFFECTS: Fatty/oily stool,
oily spotting, intestinal gas with discharge, bowel movement urgency,
poor bowel control, or headaches may occur. If these effects persist
or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Intestinal side effects (e.g.,
oily stool) may increase in intensity if you exceed your daily dietary
fat allowance. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact
your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: 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.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your
doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you use, especially
of: cyclosporine, "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), drugs
for diabetes (e.g., insulin), other drugs used for weight loss. Cyclosporine
should be taken at least 2 hours before or after orlistat to assure
maximum absorption of the cyclosporine into your bloodstream. Do not
start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected,
contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: Do not share this medication
with others. Follow your doctor-approved nutritional, reduced-calorie
diet containing about 30 percent calories from fat. Also, exercise is
recommended; however, first consult your doctor or pharmacist.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose,
use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose,
skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double
the dose to catch up.
