How Xenical Works
Role
of Xenical
Xenical is an anti-obesity prescription
medication for overweight people.
It belongs to a group of drugs known
as lipase inhibitors. When used in
combination with a low calorie diet,
it is a highly effective weight loss
drug. If you have a Body Mass Index
(BMI) of 30 or higher or a BMI of
27 and have other risk factors such
as high blood pressure, high cholesterol,
diabetes or heart disease, then Xenical
maybe for you.
Xenical works on a persons’
digestive system by blocking the around
one-third of the fat from being absorbed
in the body. This drug works on enzymes
in the digestive system known as lipase
which help to breakdown fat. When
taken with a meal contain fat, Xenical
inhibits the lipase enzymes and blocks
them from breaking down some of the
fat that has been consumed. This unwanted
fat is the eliminated from the body
via bowel moments.
Xenical is not a magic weight loss
pill, it is only effective when used
in conjunction with a low calorie
diet with no more than 30% of calories
from fat. This diet is not a special
diet of any kind, in fact it is the
same diet recommended by the American
Heart Association.
The way
to take Xenical
The recommended dose of Xenical is
one 120 mg capsule taken orally with
a glass of water with each meal that
contains fat. Xenical can be taken
up to 3 times a day with every meal
that contains fat. However it is important
to note that Xenical must used in
combination with a low calorie diet
for it to be effective. You can take
Xenical during meals or an hour after
meals. You can avoid taking Xenical
if you skip a meal or eat a meal which
contains no fat.
As Xenical inhibits fat absorption,
it also interferes with the body’s
ability to absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
Therefore if you are taking Xenical
it is necessary to take a daily dose
of a multivitamin supplement that
contains vitamins D, E, and K and
beta carotene Take a single multivitamin
once a day at least 2 hours before
or after taking Xenical.
Most people who take this drug typically
begin to lose weight within two weeks
of starting Xenical and may continue
to lose weight from between 6 months
to a year. People who take Xenical
on a continual basis under their doctor’s
supervision are better able to maintain
their weight loss.
Side
Effects of taking Xenical
Xenical has usually mild side effects
which normally disappear during the
course of treatment by themselves,
especially if you keep to your recommended
low calorie diet. Not everyone experiences
all of the following side effects.
The side effects of Xenical include;
- oily, spotting bowel movements
- gas with discharge
- urgent need to have a bowel movement
- oily or fatty stools
- an oily discharge
- increased number of stools
- inability to control bowel movements
- stomach pain
- irregular menstrual periods
If you experience any of the following
symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- itching
- redness of skin
- skin rash or hives
- swelling
- chest pain
- difficulty breathing
- fever
Less common side effects may include
dry skin, ear, nose or throat problems
and joint disorders. Side effects
from Xenical that usually occur after
the first year of treatment include
depression, leg pain, swollen feet
and tendonitis.
As Xenical blocks fat absorption,
it is natural for bowel movements
to change color, your stools maybe
clear to orange or brown. Also keep
in mind that eating excess fat than
the recommended 30% can cause side
effects to worsen.
Precautions
while taking Xenical
Before taking Xenical, it is important
you;
- inform your doctor if you are allergic
to orlistat, Xenical’s active
ingredient or any other drugs
- inform your doctor about what prescription
and nonprescription drugs you on,
especially anticoagulants such as
warfarin (Coumadin); medications for
diabetes such as glipizide (Glucotrol),
glyburide (DiaBeta, Dynase, Micronase),
metformin (Glucophage), and insulin;
other medications for weight loss;
pravastatin (Pravachol); vitamins
such as beta-carotene and vitamins
A, E, and K; and herbal products.
- If you are taking cyclosporine
(Neoral, Sandimmune), take it 2 hours
before or 2 hours after Xenical.
It is also necessary to inform your
doctor if you have or have had anorexia
nervosa or bulimia, gallstones, thyroid
disease, diabetes, kidney problems,
or if you consistently have problems
absorbing food. Also inform your doctor
if you are pregnant, plan on getting
pregnant or are breast-feeding. |
