Xenical

Uses

Xenical is a medication that helps obese people to lose weight and maintain this weight loss. Contrary to other weight loss medications, Xenical does not suppress appetite by working on your nervous system, but blocks up to one third of the fat that you ingest from being digested in your intestines. This blocked and undigested fat is eliminated from the body, causing you to lose weight.

Dosage

Xenical comes in the form of a capsule that has to be taken orally, three times a day. It has to be taken with food. Do not increase the medication on your own – you won't lose more weight in this manner. Combine Xenical with a balanced diet with a total intake of fat restricted to 30 percent, distributed over three meals per day.

Warnings

If you suffer from chronic malabsorption problems or gall bladder problems, avoid taking Xenical. Further, if you have a history of diabetes or have suffered from kidney stones, or have suffered from eating disorders like bulimia or anorexia nervosa, or are on some other form of weight loss medication or cyclosporine medication, don’t take Xenical without informing your doctor. He will be able to alter your schedule or monitor your dosage as is appropriate for your heath history. Xenical is a pregnancy category B drug of the FDA which means that it has not been found to be harmful to the fetus. If you’re pregnant, inform your doctor before starting Xenical. Do not take Xenical if you’re breastfeeding, because it is not known if Xenical passes into breast milk.

Missed dosage

Take Xenical exactly as scheduled. If you do miss a dose, simply skip that one and move on to the next dose on your schedule. Don’t double the dosage.

Inside effects

In the early days of your treatment, you may notice oily bowel movements, inability to control bowel movements, change in frequency and urgency in bowel movements, and oily discharge, or brown colored oil in your bowel movements. These are simply indications that the treatment is working as it’s supposed to, and not a cause for worry. You may notice these symptoms increase when you have eaten a meal that exceeds the suggested fat intake of 30 percent. These symptoms will clear as you progress with the treatment, as long as you stick to the prescribed low fat diet. If you notice allergic reactions like hives, swelling of the face, tongue and lips, skin rashes, throat constrictions or breathing problems however, discontinue the medication and seek emergency medical care.

Storage

Keep in a dry dark place away from moisture and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children in a tight closed container.

Overdose

Not much is known about the overdose symptoms of Xenical.