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Drug Interactions
If Xenical is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Xenical with the fo
llowing:
- Cyclosporine (Neoral and Sandimmune)
- Warfarin (Coumadin)
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Why is this drug prescribed?
Xenical is used with a low-calorie diet to help you lose weight and to maintain your weight after weight loss. Xenical is used in patients with a certain weight who may also have high blood pressure,
diabetes, high cholesterol, or heart disease.
- Xenical is in a class of drugs called lipase inhibitors. It works in your intestines, where it blocks some of the fat you eat from being absorb
ed and disgested. This undigested fat is then removed in your bowel movements (BM).
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Precautions Before Using This Medicine
Children¡X Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of Xenical in children with use in other age groups.
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Symptoms of overdose may include:
The results of a massive overdose of Xenical are unknown, although the drug seems relatively harmless. However, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose
, seek medical attention.
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Possible Side Effect
The most common side effect of Xenical is changes in bowel movement (BM) habits. This generally occurs during the first weeks of treatment; however, it may continue throughout your use of Xenical. Tel
l your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- oily, spotting BMs
- gas with discharge
- urgent need to have a BM
- oily or fatty stools
- an oily
discharge
- increased number of BMs
- inability to control BMs
- orange or brown color of a BM
- stomach pain
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If you experience any of the following symptoms, cal
l your doctor immediately:
- itching
- redness of skin
- skin rash or hives
- swelling
- chest pain
- difficulty breathing
- fever
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Diet Program
To help you get started on reducing the fat in your diet to about 30%, read the labels on all the foods you buy. While you are taking Xenical, you should avoid foods that have more than 30% fat. When
eating meat, poultry (chicken) or fish, eat only 2 or 3 ounces (about the size of a deck of cards). Choose lean cuts of meat and remove the skin from poultry. Fill up your meal plate with more grains,
fruits, and vegetables. Replace whole-milk products with nonfat or 1% milk and reduced- or low-fat dairy items. Cook with less fat. Use vegetable oil spray when cooking. Salad dressings; many baked i
tems; and prepackaged, processed, and fast foods are usually high in fat. Use the low- or non-fat versions of these foods and/or cut back on serving sizes.
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