Xenical [Orlistat] is metabolized mainly in the gastro-intestinal tract

Side effects and Contraindications:
The most common side effect of Xenical [Orlistat] is altered bowel movement habits. This is usually experienced during the initial weeks of treatment; though this may be seen throughout the regimen in rare cases. This is supported by the XENDOS study which found that of the 91% of subjects who suffered from gastrointestinal side effects in the first year only 36% had the gastrointestinal adverse effects during their fourth year of taking Xenical [Orlistat]. In case the side effects are severe then this should be immediately brought to the notice of the prescribing physician.
• Steatorrhea i.e. oily, loose stools seen as oily spotting on underwear or on clothing
• Feacal incontinence- urgent need to have a bowel movement along with flatus
• increased number of bowel movements
• difficulty controlling bowel movements
• gas with oily spotting
• loose stools
• oily or fatty stools
• pain or discomfort in the rectum/anus
• irregular menstrual periods
• headache
• anxiety
• hives
• rash
• itching
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• severe or continuous abdominal pain
• Cold or flu-like syndrome.
Contraindications:
- Hypersensitivity to Xenical [Orlistat]
- Reduced gall bladder function
- Chronic Malabsorption syndrome
- Pregnancy [FDA Pregnancy category B drug] and lactation. Can be prescribed to the pediatric age group of elder than 10 years.

Precaution:
- Impaired liver profile
- Impaired pancreatic profile
- Obstructed bile duct
- History of hyperoxaluria, calcium oxalte nephrolithiasis
- Obesity due to any organic cause like hypothyroidism
- Any eating disorder like anorexia or bulimia
- If taking any other weight loss drug

Drug interactions:
- Amiodarone [antiarrhythimic]
- Cyclosporine
- Digoxin
- Warfarin

Special information:
Since Xenical [Orlistat] inhibits the body’s absorption of beta carotene and certain fat soluble vitamins, multivitamin supplements should be taken daily. This multivitamin can be taken 2 hours before or after having food. It can also be taken during midnight or in the morning.
Avoid fat rich food and prefer foodstuffs which are likely to contain less than 30% fat.

The recommended dose of XENICAL [Orlistat] is one 120-mg capsule three times a day with each main meal containing fat.during or up to 1 hour after the meal.

Page 2 of 2 :: First | Last :: Prev | 1 2 | Next