Xenical

Orlistat 120mg

What is Xenical

Each Xenical capsule contains 120mg of the active substance orlistat.

The capsule also contains the additional excipients microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycollate, povidone, sodium lauryl sulphate and talc. The capsule shell consists of gelatine, indigo carmine ( E132 ) and titanium dioxide ( E171 ).

Xenical is supplied as hard capsules in blister packs. Xenical 120mg capsules are turquoise with "ROCHE XENICAL 120" printed in black ink.

What is Xenical use for ?

Xenical is an oral prescription weight loss medication used to help obese people lose weight and keep this weight off, without suppressing your appetite. 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 taken with a low-fat, well-balanced, calorie-controlled diet and other appropriate measure such as exercise.

How does Xenical work ?

If you eat an excess 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 absorbed. Enzymes in your intestinal tract, called lipases, help digest ( or break down ) fat. When you take Xenical 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 30% of the fat eaten in food from being absorbed by your body.

Who should use Xenical ?

Xenical may be right for you if you are considerably overweight ( at least 30% above ideal weight or a body mass index of 30 or greater ). Xenical may also be right for you if you are overweight ( at least 20% above ideal weight or a body mass index of 27 or great ) and also have other risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, or diabetes.

Who should not use Xenical ?

Those who :

* consistently have problems absorbing food ( chronic malabsorption ); or

* have symptomatic cholelithiasis ( painful gall stones )

* 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 should I tell my doctor before taking Xenical ?

Before beginning treatment with Xenical, make sure your doctor knows if you are :

* allergic to any medicines, foods, or dyes;

* taking any other weight-loss medication;

* taking cyclosporine;

* taking any other medicines ( including those not prescribed by your doctor );

* taking any dietary supplements, including herbal products;

* planning to become pregnant; or

* anorexic or bulimic.

This information will help you and your physician decide if the expected advantages of Xenical are grater than any possible disadvantages.

Can I take Xenical while taking other medications ?

be sure to discuss with your doctor all medications ( including herbal products ) 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 should I take Xenical ?

The recommended dose is one 120mg capsule by mouth with liquid at each main meal that contains 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.

The therapeutic benefits of Xenical ( including weight control and improvement of risk factors ) are continued with long-term administration.

You should use Xenical together with a nutritionally balanced, mildly reduced-calorie diet that contains no more than about 30% of calories from fat. It is recommended that the diet be rich in fruits and vegetables. You should evenly divide your daily intake of fat, carbohydrates, and protein over 3 main meals.

Doses greater than 120 mg three times a day have not been shown to provide an additional weight loss benefit.

A healthy eating plan will help you lose weight while decreasing some of the possible gastrointestinal effects you may experience while taking Xenical.

How long should I use Xenical ?

Because Xenical works by blocking the absorption of dietary fat, it is likely that you will experience some changes in bowel habits. These changes may include oily spotting, gas with discharge, urgent need to go to the bathroom, oily or fatty stools, an oily discharge, increased number of bowel movements, and inability to control bowel movements.

These incidences will increase if more fatty food is taken. You may reduce it be reinforce your diet by choosing low fat food or reducing portion of fat in your food. This may help you monitor and regulate your fat intake.

These bowel changes are a natural effect of blocking the fat from being absorbed and indicate that Xenical is working. 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 than about 30% fat.

If you are concerned about these or any other side effects you experience while taking Xenical, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

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 pharmacist.

While you are taking Xenical

* Tell all doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are taking Xenical.

* Tell your pharmacist or doctor if you become pregnant while taking Xenical.

* Do not give your Xenical to anyone else, even they have the same condition as you.

* Do not take any other medicines without first consulting a pharmacist or doctor.

How to store Xenical

The blister packs of Xenical should be stored at temperature below 25^oC and kept in a dry place. Do no take the capsules after the expiry date shown on the pack. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.

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