Xenical

As with any new treatment you are bound to have many questions about Xenical. Listed below are common questions and answers designed to provide first time guidance regarding the weight loss treatment. If there is a question you would like to put to our doctor that is not covered below, please feel free to email consultations@prima-med.com.

Here are the important things you need to know before you choose Xenical

• What is Xenical?
• How does Xenical work?
• How well does Xenical work?
• How much weight should I expect to lose?
• What is the correct dosage?
• How soon after starting Xenical should I expect to notice weight loss?
• What are the side effects of Xenical?
• Is there any reason why I shouldn't take Xenical?

What is Xenical?

Xenical (orlistat) is a prescription weight loss treatment used in the management of obesity.

Xenical works in your digestive system to block about one-third of the fat in the food you eat from being digested.

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How does Xenical work?

Enzymes in your digestive system, called lipases, help digest (or break down) fat. Xenical inhibits pancreatic lipase, an enzyme that breaks down triglycerides in the intestine. Without this enzyme, triglycerides from the diet cannot be absorbed and are excreted undigested.

Xenical helps block about one-third of the fat in the foods you eat from being absorbed by your body. By consuming fewer calories, your body will automatically tap into its fat stores and use them for the energy it needs.

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How well does Xenical work?

In clinical studies, almost two-thirds of people treated with Xenical plus diet successfully lost at least 5% of their body weight after 2 years. In comparison, only half of the people treated with diet alone managed to lose 5% of their weight.

Weight loss with Xenical and a healthy diet also improves a number of weight-related health risks. Studies show that weight loss with Xenical can:

•  Decrease total and LDL cholesterol (level of low-density lipoprotein-also known as bad cholesterol)

•  Improve ratio of bad to good cholesterol (LDL/HDL cholesterol)

•  Reduce blood pressure

•  Reduce levels of insulin (hormone that allows glucose or sugar to enter the body's cells), high levels of which are associated with coronary heart disease

•  Reduce the risk or delay the progression to type 2 diabetes in patients

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How much weight should I expect to lose?

The amount of weight you lose depends on how well you stick to a reduced-calorie diet with no more than 30% of calories from fat and an appropriate physical activity level, as well as on your compliance with the prescribed medication regimen.

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What is the correct dosage?

The recommended dose is one 120-mg capsule by mouth with liquid at each main meal that contains fat. Take this drug, generally three times daily during (or up to one hour after) each main meal that contains fat. Your daily intake of fat, protein and carbohydrate should be evenly spread over three main meals. If a meal is occasionally missed or contains no fat, skip that dose of the medication. Because this drug can interfere with absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (e.g., A, D, E, K), a daily multivitamin supplement containing these nutrients is recommended. Take the multivitamin at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after this drug (e.g., at bedtime). The effects of this drug may begin as soon as 1-2 days after treatment begins; noticeable weight loss will take longer.

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How soon after starting Xenical should I expect to notice weight loss?

Typically, people begin losing weight within 2 weeks of starting Xenical, and may continue to lose weight for 6 to 12 months, at which point weight loss usually begins to level off - even if you're still taking Xenical.

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What are the side effects of Xenical?

Possible side-effects include:

•  Fatty/oily stool,

•  oily spotting ,

•  intestinal gas with discharge,

•  bowel movement urgency,

•  poor bowel control

•  headaches may occur.

If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Intestinal side effects (e.g., oily stool) may increase in intensity if you exceed your daily dietary fat allowance. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

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Is there any reason why I shouldn't take Xenical?

Do not take Xenical without first talking to your doctor if you have

•  A chronic malabsorption syndrome, or gallbladder problems

•  diabetes

•  anorexia or bulimia

•  take any other weight-loss medicine,

•  take cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)

•  have a history of kidney stones

Discuss with your doctor all medications you are currently taking (including over-the-counter medicines and herbal products you can get without a prescription) to determine if Xenical can be taken along with these medications. If you are taking cyclosporine, let your doctor know before taking Xenical; cyclosporine and Xenical should be taken at least 2 hours apart. If your cyclosporine levels are being measured, more-frequent measurements may be necessary while you're taking Xenical.

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