Xenical

Xenical is an appetite suppressant used along with diet, exercise and behavior therapy for the short-term management of obesity. It is an FDA approved prescription drug that prevents fat from being digested and absorbed into the body. Xenical attaches itself to natural digestive enzymes and prevents them from breaking down fat. Xenical has the ability to block up to one third of fat from being digested.

Xenical can also help to improve risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar which, if not treated, could lead to other diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. Each xenical capsule contains 120 mg of the active substance orlistat which acts as a lipase inhibitor.

This medicine can cause changes in your bowel habits, such as fatty or oily stools, due to the elimination of undigested fat in your stool. Along with dietary fat, Xenical decreases the absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins and beta-carotene. To compensate, you should take a multivitamin containing vitamins A, E, D, and K once a day, at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking Xenical and you should also follow your doctor's advice in taking a well balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables.

Notes :

Your doctor will test your thyroid function before starting you on Xenical to make sure that your weight problem is not due to an under-active 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.

Xenical is an effective form of therapy for the patient who needs to lose weight, to decrease risk of diseases associated with significant obesity. The magnitude of the weight loss will depend on the degree of caloric restriction and the use of exercise.

Usage Directions :

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor.

• It is taken with each meal (three times daily).
• Your daily fat intake should be divided equally between these three meals so you will benefit from Xenical's actions.
• Take this medicine about 30 minutes to 1 hour before meals.
• This medication is to be swallowed whole, preferably in midmorning.
• As xenical may cause sleeplessness avoid taking it late in the day.
• Take your last dose of the day at least 4 to 6 hours before bedtime.
• If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is after 4 pm, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
• Do not take 2 doses at once.
• Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed because this Drug can be habit forming.
• Also, if used for a longer period of time, do not suddenly stop this medication without first consulting your doctor.
• Xenical is usually taken for 8 to 12 weeks.
• Use in combination with other appetite suppressants is generally not recommended. Consult your doctor before such use.

Storage :

Xenical must be stored at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.

Missed dose :

If you miss a dose of xenical, take it as soon as possible. But do not take 2 doses at once, doubling up of the medicine is a strict No!

Duration of usage :

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. But do remember that continuous use of a pill will not increase its benefits, as your body starts to build up a resistance to the effects of this medication after a few weeks of treatment. It is always advised to take help from the pill but not to get addicted to it.

Notes :

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.