xenical (ORLISTAT)

What is Xenical?

Xenical is a medication used for weight loss. It works by inhibiting the absorption of fats in the digestive system

What is the usual dose of Xenical?

• The usual dose is 120 mg taken three times a day with each main meal that contains fat.
• It is typically taken with meals or within 1 hour after a meal.

How do I take Xenical?

• Take Xenical with or up to 1 hour after a meal.
• It should be swallowed with water.
• If you miss a dose, skip it and take your next dose at the regular time.

For how long do I take Xenical?

• Xenical is usually taken as part of a long-term weight management plan.
• It is typically used for several months or longer, depending on your doctor’s advice and progress.

What disease or symptom is Xenical used for?

Xenical is used to help people with overweight or obesity achieve weight loss, particularly when combined with a low-calorie diet and regular physical activity.

How long does it take for Xenical to start working?

Xenical starts working within a few hours of taking it, as it inhibits the digestion and absorption of dietary fat.

Is Xenical effective?

Xenical is a medicine that helps people lose weight and keep it off. Studies showed that people taking it lost 3% more weight over two years than those taking a sugar pill (placebo). Also, people on Xenical regained less weight after they'd already lost some, compared to those on the placebo. Those on the placebo regained a lot more of their lost weight.

How do I know if Xenical is working?

Xenical helped people lose weight in studies that lasted up to four years. These studies showed that people taking Xenical lost more weight than those taking a sugar pill (placebo). It also helped prevent people from gaining the weight back after they'd lost it. Plus, it improved some health problems often linked to being overweight.

How does Xenical work?

Xenical works by inhibiting lipase, an enzyme responsible for breaking down fats in the digestive tract. This prevents the body from absorbing approximately 30% of the fat consumed.

Who should avoid taking Xenical?

• People with chronic malabsorption syndrome (e.g., Crohn’s disease or other intestinal conditions).
• People with gallbladder problems.
• People who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• People with allergies to Xenical or any of its ingredients.

Can I take Xenical with other prescription drugs?

• Xenical may interact with medications like blood thinners, antidiabetic drugs, and anticonvulsants.
• Always inform your healthcare provider about other medications you are taking to avoid interactions.

Can Xenical be taken safely while pregnant?

Xenical is not recommended during pregnancy as it may affect the absorption of nutrients important for the developing baby.

Can Xenical be taken safely while breastfeeding?

Xenical is not recommended while breastfeeding, as it is not known if it passes into breast milk and may affect the infant’s nutrition.

Is Xenical safe for the elderly?

Xenical can be safe for the elderly but should be used with caution, particularly in those with kidney problems or other health concerns.

How should I store Xenical?

Keep Xenical in a cool, dry place between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C). Make sure the container is closed tightly. Don't use it after the date on the label.

Does Xenical make people tired or drowsy?

Xenical does not typically cause tiredness or drowsiness.

Does Xenical cause stomach upset?

Yes, gastrointestinal side effects such as abdominal pain, gas, oily stools, and diarrhea are common.

Does Xenical affect sleep?

Xenical does not have a direct effect on sleep patterns.

Does Xenical make it hard to think or concentrate?

No, Xenical does not affect cognitive functions.

Does Xenical affect mood?

Xenical does not generally affect mood, but weight loss or gastrointestinal side effects may indirectly impact your well-being.

Does Xenical interfere with sexual function?

Xenical does not directly interfere with sexual function.

Does Xenical affect appetite?

Xenical does not directly affect appetite but can lead to some weight loss, which may indirectly influence hunger or food choices.

Does Xenical cause weight gain?

Xenical is used for weight loss, so it is not expected to cause weight gain unless the medication is not being taken properly or the diet is not followed.

Does Xenical cause headaches?

Headaches are not common but may occur in some individuals taking Xenical.

Does Xenical limit driving?

Xenical does not directly affect the ability to drive, but dizziness or fatigue may be side effects for some people.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Xenical?

Drinking alcohol in moderation is generally safe while taking Xenical, but excessive alcohol consumption can affect your weight loss progress.

Is it safe to drink coffee or tea while taking Xenical?

Yes, coffee and tea are safe to consume while taking Xenical, but caffeine should be consumed in moderation

Is it safe to exercise while taking Xenical?

Yes, exercise is encouraged while taking Xenical as part of a healthy weight loss program. Regular physical activity supports overall weight management and health.

What are the most common side effects of Xenical?

Side effects are unwanted reactions that can happen when taking a medication. With empagliflozin, these effects vary from person to person. The most common side effect is urinary tract infections, which affect about 8-9% of people taking this medication. Women may experience genital yeast infections, which occur in about 2-5% of female patients. Men can also get genital yeast infections, but this happens less frequently. Some people notice they urinate more often when taking empagliflozin, which happens in about 1-3% of patients. Upper respiratory infections, which affect your nose, throat, and airways, occur in about 4% of people taking this medication. If you notice new symptoms after starting empagliflozin, they might be temporary or unrelated to the medication. Talk with your doctor before stopping any medication.

Does Xenical have adverse effects?

Yes, empagliflozin can have adverse effects, which are unwanted reactions to a medication. Most people tolerate it well, but some may experience urinary tract infections, which are infections in the system that removes urine from your body, affecting up to 9% of users. Genital yeast infections are common, especially in women, causing itching and unusual discharge. The medication can increase urination, leading to dehydration, which means your body doesn't have enough fluids, possibly causing dizziness. A rare but serious effect is ketoacidosis, which is a dangerous buildup of acid in your blood and requires immediate medical attention. Always inform your doctor about any new or worsening symptoms while taking empagliflozin.

Is Xenical addictive?

Empagliflozin is not addictive or habit-forming. This medication doesn't cause dependency or withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. Empagliflozin works by affecting your kidneys to help remove sugar through urine. This mechanism doesn't affect brain chemistry in ways that could lead to addiction. You won't experience cravings for this medication or feel compelled to take more than prescribed. Unlike some medications that can cause psychological or physical dependence, empagliflozin doesn't create these effects. If you have concerns about medication dependence, you can feel confident that empagliflozin doesn't carry this risk while managing your health condition.

Does Xenical have any safety warnings?

Yes, empagliflozin has important safety warnings. It can increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a dangerous buildup of acids in the blood. This can occur even with normal blood sugar, especially if insulin doses are missed or during illness. Seek emergency help if you experience nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or breathing problems. Empagliflozin can cause dehydration, which means the body lacks enough fluids, leading to low blood pressure or kidney issues. Drink plenty of water while taking it. Serious urinary tract infections, which affect the system removing urine, can occur. Watch for painful urination, fever, or back pain. Rarely, it can cause necrotizing fasciitis, a serious bacterial infection in the genital area. Genital yeast infections are common. Regular foot care is important as it may increase amputation risk. Stop taking it and seek help if allergic reactions occur.

Is it safe to stop Xenical?

No, it is not safe to stop empagliflozin suddenly. If you're using it for type 2 diabetes, stopping can cause your blood sugar levels to rise quickly. For heart failure, which is when your heart can't pump blood effectively, or kidney disease, which is damage to organs that filter waste from your blood, stopping could worsen these conditions. A dangerous complication called diabetic ketoacidosis might occur, causing harmful acids to build up in your blood, leading to nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and breathing problems. This risk continues for several days after stopping. Always talk with your doctor before stopping empagliflozin. They might suggest gradually reducing your dose or switching medications to keep your condition under control.

How do I dispose of Xenical?

If you can, bring unused medicines to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. They will dispose of this medicine properly so it doesn't harm people or the environment. If you can't find a take-back program, you can throw most medicines in the trash at home. But first, take them out of their original containers, mix them with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal the mixture in a plastic bag, and throw it away.

Will I need to take vitamins while taking Xenical?

Yes. Long-term use of empagliflozin with metformin can lower your vitamin B12 levels. Vitamin B12, which helps your nerves and makes red blood cells, is important for your health. If your levels drop, you might feel tired, weak, or numb, so your doctor may need to check and supplement your vitamin B12. Always tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take. Regular blood sugar and nutrient checks help keep your treatment safe and effective.

What are Xenical possible harms and risks?

Common side effects include:

• Gastrointestinal issues: oily stools, flatulence, diarrhea, abdominal cramping
• Vitamin deficiencies: especially fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)
• Liver injury (rare)
• Kidney stones (rare)