A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Orlistat
Brand Names
; Xenical®Therapeutic Categories
Lipase InhibitorReasons not to take this medicine
- If you have an allergy to orlistat or any other part of the medicine.
- If you have chronic malabsorption syndrome or cholestasis.
What is this medicine used for?
- This medicine is used to help you lose weight.
How does it work?
- Orlistat prevents absorption of about 30% of fat eaten.
How is it best taken?
- Take three times a day with each main meal containing fat.
- If there is no fat in the meal, do not take a dose of orlistat.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Take a missed dose near the meal or at the end of the meal.
- Take your next dose with the next meal. Return to your regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
- Vitamins should be taken 2 hours before or 2 hours after this medicine.
- If on cyclosporine then take 2 hours before or 2 hours after this medicine. Get cyclosporine blood levels more frequently.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control that you can trust while taking this medicine.
- Do not use if you are breast-feeding.
What are the common side effects of this medicine?
- Gas with discharge, oily spotting, and feeling the need to go to the bathroom.
- The more fat in the diet the more side effects you will have.
What should I monitor?
- Check weight weekly.
- Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.
- Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Severe diarrhea.
- Any rash.
How should I store this medicine?
- Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.
General statements
- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).