Description
Xenical rocks the fat away!
Getting less fat to be absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract has been one of the scientifically proven ways to manage obesity. Less dietary fat absorption results in lowered systemic caloric intake. Also, it has been shown in studies that targeting fat through drugs that do not get into your bloodstream has been effective in weight loss.
Dietary fats are absorbed as triglycerides (TG), which are subsequently hydrolyzed into free fatty acids (FFA) and monoglycerides (MG) via gastrointestinal lipase activity. Non-hydrolyzed TGs are not absorbed through the gastrointestinal lumen and are excreted into the feces.
Xenical acts primarily in your gastrointestinal tract to inhibit lipases, enzymes that are crucial for the digestion of long-term triglycerides. The drug, in conjunction with a low calorie diet and exercise plan, is useful for the treatment of obesity.Clinical studies have shown that Xenical is proven effective in fighting obesity among adults.
Xenical® (orlistat 120 mg) has been used in as an anti-obesity drug for more than a decade now. It has been clinically proven effective. It’s been proven to be an effective adjunct to lifestyle modifications to achieve significant and sustained weight loss.
It is usually indicated at a dose of 120 mg three times daily, and in conjunction with US FDA has recently approved the over-the-counter a mild hypocaloric diet, for the treatment of obese patients (body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m2), and overweight patients (BMI ≥28 kg/m2) with associated risk factors.
What is Orlistat (Xenical®) used for?
Orlistat (Xenical®) is a peripherally acting anti-obesity agent. It is effective in long-term weight control (weight loss, weight management and prevention of weight regain). It works by targeting the absorption of dietary fat in your body rather than suppressing your appetite. This allows about 30% of the fat eaten in the meal to pass through the gut undigested. Therefore, your body cannot store these excess calories as fatty tissue or use them as a source of energy. This helps you to reduce your weight by burning up fat that you are already carrying, maintain your lower weight and minimize any weight regain.
How does Orlistat (Xenical®) work?
Xenical is a fat eliminator. In other words, it blocks some of the fat that is in your food from being digested and absorbed by your body. This is the “Xenical Action”. The undigested fat is eliminated in your bowel movements as oil thus preventing it from forming fatty deposits around your waist, hips and thighs.
How do I know Orlistat (Xenical®) is working?
After a few days of taking Xenical you may notice oil in your bowel movements. This is the beginning of the “Xenical Action” eliminating fat. Over time as your system adjusts to Xenical, the oil may slow up or even go away. Oily bowel movements will re-occur after eating meals high in fat.
Are there any side effects?
The majority of unwanted effects related to Orlistat (Xenical®) use result from its local action in your digestive system. These known side effects may be increased flatulence, abdominal pain, urgent need to move the bowels, oily, fatty or liquid stools, and oily discharge from anus. Normally, these symptoms disappear if you continue treatment and keep to your recommended diet. These symptoms are generally mild, occurring at the beginning of treatment, and goes away after a short period of time and are particularly experienced after meals containing high levels of fat.
Other uncommon side effects may include nausea, indigestion, headache and tiredness. Do not be alarmed by these possible side effects. You may not experience any of them. Consult your doctor as needed, when symptoms persist.
What are the ingredients in Orlistat (Xenical®)?
Orlistat (Xenical®) does not contain surcrose, gluten, tartrazine or any other azo dyes.
Active ingredient: Each capsule contains 120 mg Orlistat.
Inactive ingredients: The capsule also contains microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycollate, povidone, sodium lauryl sulfate, and talc. The capsule shell contains gelatin, indigo carmine, and titanium dioxide. The printing ink contains shellac, industrial methylated spirits, purified water, lecithin, 2-ethoxyethanol, dimethicone, and iron oxide black.
When should I not take Orlistat (Xenical®)?
Do not take Orlistat (Xenical®) if:
- You have had an allergic reaction to Orlistat (Xenical®) or any ingredients listed under the formulation above
- You have chronic malabsorption syndrome
- You are pregnant or lactating
Can I take Orlistat (Xenical®) while taking other medicines?
Some medicines and Orlistat (Xenical®) may interfere with each other. These medicines include:
- Cyclosporine, a transplant rejection drug
- Amiodarone, a medicine used to treat irregular heart beat
- Warfarin or other anticoagulants, medicines that prevent blood clots
For other medicines you might be taking, get advice from your doctor before you take Orlistat (Xenical®).
How many capsules of Orlistat (Xenical®) do I take in a day?
The recommended dose of Orlistat (Xenical®) for individuals 12 or more years of age is one 120 mg capsule taken by mouth three times a day.
Taking more than the recommended does will not provide an additional benefit. You can also take Vitamins A, D and E with Orlistat (Xenical®).
How do I take Orlistat (Xenical®)?
Orlistat (Xenical®) should be taken with a well-balanced calorie controlled diet that is rich in fruit and vegetables and contains an average of 30% calories from fat. Your daily intake of fat, carbohydrate and protein should be distributed over 3 main meals. To gain the most benefit, avoid eating food containing fat between meals, such as biscuits, chocolate or savory snacks. Look out for fats in foods by reading all food labels. Your fat intake may also be reduced by removing all fat from meat. Be careful not to replace the fat in your diet with large quantities of other foods, such as sugar and alcohol.
Because increased exercise will help weight loss, it is advisable to follow a regular exercise program, such as walking and swimming. Seek expert advice regarding your best exercise program.
When do I take Orlistat (Xenical®)?
Take 1 capsule Orlistat (Xenical®) with a glass of water with each of the 3 main meals per day. This means that you will usually take one capsule at breakfast, lunch and dinner. It can be taken during the meal or up to 1 hour after the meal is consumed. If you miss a main meal or if you know that the meal contains no fat, then Orlistat (Xenical®) need not be taken.
How long do I take Orlistat (Xenical®)?
Orlistat (Xenical®) should be taken every day to be effective. You can take Orlistat (Xenical®) from 2 to 4 years. Weight loss normally starts within 2 weeks and continues for 6 to 12 months on Orlistat (Xenical®) treatment. Orlistat (Xenical®) will then help you to maintain this new lower weight and help to prevent weight being regained.
What happens if I miss a dose of Orlistat (Xenical®)?
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember provided this is within 1 hour of your last meal and then go back to taking it as you would normally.
Do not double a dose to make up for one you have missed.
What are the things to remember while I am taking Orlistat (Xenical®)?
To gain the most benefit from Orlistat (Xenical®) you should follow the nutrition program recommended by an expert. As with any weight-control program, over-consumption of fat and calories may counteract any weight loss effect.
If you have other co-morbidities like NIDDM, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension (so-called Metabolic Syndrome), you should follow your doctor’s recommendations accordingly.
Where should I keep the Orlistat (Xenical®) capsules?
Keep your capsules in the blister pack until it is time to take them.If you take the capsules out of the packaging they will not keep well.
Keep the blister pack in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C. Do not store Orlistat (Xenical®), or any other medicine, in a bathroom or near a sink.
Do not leave it in the car or on window sills or other places where it may get hot, even for a short period. Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.
Keep Orlistat (Xenical®) where young children cannot reach it.
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