Orlistat Capsule

How should you take this medication:
Take a capsule of Orlistat during, or up to 1 hour after, each main meal. You should follow a nutritionally balanced, low-calorie diet that provides no more than 30 percent of its calories from fat. If you miss a meal, or the meal contains no fat, you can skip the accompanying dose of Xenical.

If you miss a dose:
Resume taking Orlistat at the next meal. Don't try to make up the loss with a double dose. The extra drug won't help.

Storage instructions:
Store at room temperature, in a tightly sealed container.

Side effects of Orlistat are more common during the first year of treatment. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Xenical.

More common side effects may include:
Abdominal discomfort or pain, anxiety, arthritis, back pain, diarrhea, dizziness, earache, fatigue, fatty or oily stools, fecal urgency or incontinence, flu, gas with fecal discharge, gum problems, headache, increased defecation, menstrual problems, muscle pain, nausea, oily discharge, rectal discomfort or pain, respiratory tract infections, skin rash, sleep problems, tooth problems, urinary tract infections, vaginal inflammation, vomiting

Less common side effects may include:
Dry skin, ear/nose/throat problems, joint disorders
Side effects that usually occur after the first year of treatment with Orlistat include: depression, leg pain, swollen feet, and tendonitis.
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Why should this drug not be prescribed?
Do not take Orlistat if you suffer from "chronic malabsorption syndrome"-a condition that prevents nutrients from passing from your stomach into your bloodstream-or from cholestasis, a blockage in the supply of bile needed for digestion. You'll also need to avoid Orlistat if it gives you an allergic reaction.
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Special warnings about this medication
Weight loss begins within 2 weeks and continues for 6 to 12 months. The effect of using Orlistat for more than 2 years is still unknown.

Side effects such as diarrhea and abdominal pain may be worse if you continue eating a high fat diet or even take a high-fat meal. Limit your fat intake.

Your doctor will test your thyroid function before starting you on Orlistat to make sure that your weight problem is not due to an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). Orlistat is not an appropriate remedy for this problem.

Orlistat 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.

Note that the safety and efficacy of this drug in children have not been established.