Xenical

Most important fact about Xenical

Along with dietary fat, Xenical decreases the absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins and beta-carotene. To compensate, it is strongly recommended that you take a multivitamin containing vitamins A, E, D, K, and beta-carotene once a day, at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking Xenical.

Why is Xenical prescribed?

Xenical blocks absorption of dietary fat into the bloodstream, thereby reducing the number of calories you get from a meal. At the usual dosage level, it cuts fat absorption by almost one-third. Combined with a low-calorie diet, it is used to promote weight loss and discourage the return of unwanted pounds.

The drug is prescribed for obese individuals and for overweight people who have other health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol levels. Your weight status is determined by your body mass index (BMI), a comparison of height to weight.

Why should Xenical not be prescribed?

Do not take Xenical if you suffer from "chronic malabsorption syndrome"--a condition that prevents nutrients from passing from your stomach into your bloodstream--or from cholestasis, a blockage in the supply of bile needed for digestion. You'll also need to avoid Xenical if it gives you an allergic reaction.

Special warnings about Xenical

Weight loss begins within 2 weeks and continues for 6 to 12 months. The effect of using Xenical for more than 2 years is still unknown.

Side effects such as diarrhea and abdominal pain may be worse if you continue eating a high fat diet or even take a high-fat meal. Limit your fat intake.

Your doctor will test your thyroid function before starting you on Xenical to make sure that your weight problem is not due to an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). Xenical is not an appropriate remedy for this problem.

Xenical increases the likelihood of kidney stones. Use it with caution if you have a history of this problem.

If you have diabetes, weight-loss is likely to reduce your blood sugar levels. If you're taking an oral diabetes medication or insulin, your dose may have to be reduced.

Note that the safety and efficacy of Xenical in children younger than 12 years old have not been established.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Xenical

If Xenical is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Xenical with the following:

Cyclosporine (Neoral and Sandimmune)
Warfarin (Coumadin)

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