Orlistat

(OR li stat)

U.S. Brand Names

Alli™ [OTC]; Xenical®

Canadian Brand Names

Xenical®

Mexican Brand Names

Xenical

Pharmacologic Category

Lipase Inhibitor

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to orlistat or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have any of the following conditions: Gall bladder disease, pancreatitis, poor absorption, or poor nutrition.

• If you have had an organ transplant and you are taking medicines to prevent rejection.

• If you are taking cyclosporine.

• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

• If you are breast-feeding.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to help you lose weight.

How does it work?

• Orlistat prevents absorption of about 30% of fat eaten.

How is it best taken?

• Take this medicine with food.

• Take a multivitamin at bedtime.

• Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you have kidney stones, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Vitamins should be taken 2 hours before or 2 hours after this medicine.

• Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Headache.

• Belly pain.

• Gas with discharge, oily spotting, and feeling the need to go to the bathroom.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Check weight weekly. Report a weight loss to healthcare provider.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Severe belly pain.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect from light.

• Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.



Created: 2006-10-13 14:44:58.0

Modified: 2008-01-30 15:49:04.0

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