Information about Orlistat (Generic Xenical) :


Orlistat a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor that is used for managing obesity in adults and adolescents 12 years and older. It decreases the digestion of fats from the diet and should be used in combination with a low-calorie diet. It may be also administered to reduce the risk of weight regain after previous weight loss.

You should not use Orlistat in case you have any condition mentioned below: you are allergic to any ingredient in Orlistat; you constantly have problems absorbing food (chronic malabsorption); you have gallbladder problems; you have cholestasis (a problem of bile flow from the liver to the intestines).

In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this drug.

Before using Orlistat:
Before using Orlistat you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding a baby; you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; you have an underactive thyroid.

Be aware that Orlistat may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the following: anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because side effects, including risk of bleeding, may be increased by Orlistat; cyclosporine because its effectiveness may be severely decreased by Orlistat. Cyclosporine should be taken at least 2 hours before or after orlistat to ensure maximum absorption of cyclosporine into the bloodstream.

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Orlistat:
Take Orlistat as recommended by your physician. Orlistat should be taken orally with or up to 1 hour after each main meal that contains fat (up to 3 per day).

In case a meal is missed or contains no fat, you should not take a dose of Orlistat. It is recommended to take supplement containing vitamins A, D, E, and K to ensure good nutrition at least 2 hours before or after you take Orlistat, such as at bedtime.

In case you miss a dose of Orlistat, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next intake, skip the missed dose and take it according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses to catch up.

Important safety information:
Do not exceed the recommended dose without medical consultation. Exceeding the recommended dose will not make you lose more weight and may increase the risk of side effects.

Notify your doctor or dentist that you use Orlistat before you undergo any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

You should follow the diet program given to you by your health care provider. Divide your daily intake evenly over 3 meals.

The risk of side effects involving the stomach and intestines may be increased in case you eat a meal high in fat while using Orlistat.

Diabetes patients should monitor blood sugar levels closely, as Orlistat may affect your blood sugar. Consult with your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes drug.

You may need additional monitoring of your dose or condition in case you are taking Amiodarone.

Do not use Orlistat in CHILDREN younger than 12 years old as safety and effectiveness in this group have not been proved.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
In case you become pregnant, consult with your doctor and discuss the benefits and risks of taking Orlistat while pregnancy. It is not clear whether Orlistat passes into breast milk. Avoid breast-feeding a baby while using Orlistat.

Possible side effects of Orlistat:
You should consult with your doctor in case you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: bowel movement urgency; gas with discharge; inability to control bowel movements; increased number of bowel movements; oily discharge; oily or fatty stools; oily spotting.

Seek emergency immediately in case you have any of these severe side effects: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); severe or persistent stomach pain.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.