| Take by mouth exactly as directed by your doctor, usually one pill daily. The full effect on weight may require four to six weeks. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming. Also, if used for a longer period of time, do not suddenly stop using this drug without your doctor's approval. Over time, this drug may not work as well as it did at the beginning. Consult your doctor if weight increases. Xenical medication is used with a reduced-calorie diet to help significantly overweight persons lose weight. It also helps to prevent regaining weight previously lost. Orlistat works by blocking some of the fat normally digested by the intestine. This medication is used to reduce excess body weight (obesity). Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children. Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies, digestive disorders (malabsorption or cholestasis), low thyroid function (hypothyroidism), other metabolism problems (e.g., oxalate kidney stones, hyperoxaluria). Xenical should not be used if you have anorexia nervosa or bulemia-type eating disorders. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using Xenical. The manufacturer does not recommend use of Xenical during pregnancy. It is not known whether Xenical is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using Xenical is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Before using this drug, tell your doctor your entire medical history, including any allergies (especially drug allergies), liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure or heart disease, history of stroke or seizures, certain eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa), glaucoma (narrow angle), or history of gallstones. Limit alcohol intake, as it may worsen certain side effects of this medication. It is recommended that women of child-bearing age should use effective birth control while taking this medication. This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this drug. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug. Use cautiously. |