What is Xenical (Orlistat) used for?

Xenical (Orlistat) is an oral medication that is typically prescribed along with regular exercise and a reduced calorie diet to aid with weight loss in patients who are obese or have certain risk factors. It operates by blocking some fat from being absorbed by the body from consumed food. Your physician may also prescribe it to treat other unlisted conditions.

How should I use Xenical (Orlistat)?

Strictly follow your physician's instructions while using Xenical (Orlistat) to ensure the safest and most effective results from treatment. The typical dosage is one tablet taken three times daily; ten minutes before meals containing fat. Your particular directions will be determined by your current health condition and the severity of your symptoms. The tablets should always be swallowed whole along with a large glass of water. Never crush, split, or chew them prior to use to avoid unintentionally destroying or altering the effects of their contents. Ask your physician any questions you have about the medication to ensure the correct administration.

What are the side effects of Xenical (Orlistat)?

Some patients using Xenical (Orlistat) may experience side effects such as:

• Headaches
• Back pain
• Severe gas or indigestion
• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Flu symptoms (Runny nose, coughing, or sore throat)
• Teeth or gum problems
• Mild skin rash
• Oily spotting in the undergarments
• Oily stools
• Discolored stools

Immediately stop using the medication and contact your physician if you experience any severe symptoms including urinary retention, severe drowsiness, pain in the upper stomach, intense lower back pain, blood appearing in the urine, darkened urine, or jaundice. These conditions may indicate serious problems requiring lowered dosages, reduced frequency of administration, or emergency medical attention in more serious cases.

Please Note

Do not begin using Xenical (Orlistat) if you are breastfeeding, if the patient is under the age of eighteen, or if you have cholestasis or chronic malabsorption syndrome. Also inform your physician if you have epilepsy, diabetes, hypothyroidism, or long-term kidney disease as these conditions may cause complications during treatment requiring reduced dosages or changes to your regimen to prevent them from occurring.

Strictly follow all instructions provided to you by your physician or pharmacist while using Xenical (Orlistat). Optimum and safe dosage can differ based on the patient and the condition being treated.

As this medication may be unsafe for certain patients, it is essential you always inform your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as if you have any allergies, other illnesses, or ongoing health conditions, and if you are taking any other form of medication, supplements, or herbal products.

Immediately seek emergency medical care if you have an allergic or hypersensitive reaction. Common signs of a reaction include hives, swelling, skin rashes, chest pains, as well as trouble breathing or swallowing.