Xenical Precautions and Warnings

Xenical – What to inform my Doctor?

Before taking Xenical® (orlistat) medication you should consult your doctor, particular in case you have the following:

* Diabetes
* Have had an organ transplant
* Had pancreatitis
* Thyroid disorder
* Problems of the gall bladder
* A medical condition where your ability to absorb food is reduced
* Eating disorders, for instance bulimia or anorexia nervosa
* Had kidney stones

Also, inform your doctor in case you are:

* Pregnant or intend to get pregnant
* Breast feeding.

In addition, inform your doctor of all the medications you are on. This includes non-prescription and prescription medicines, herbal supplements and vitamins.

Specific Xenical Precautions and Warnings

Some of the precautions and warnings you should know before taking Xenical are as follows:

* Before you take Xenical, your doctor should ensure that your obesity is not a result of a medical condition, for instance an underactive thyroid.
* Xenical could result in harmful and sometimes embarrassing side effects related to the intestine. If you want to avoid such side effects, you should restrict the fat content in your diet when taking this medication. In case you suffer from any of the side effects, cut down the fat intake from your diet.
* You must take a multivitamin when you are using Xenical, as this medication could result in vitamin deficiencies.
* Xenical could interact with numerous other medications
* If you have thyroid problems or diabetes, ensure you inform your doctor of your plans for weight loss using Xenical. When you lose weight, your doctor might need to modify the dose of your thyroid medications or diabetes medications.
* The medication might lead to or in some case worsen gall bladder problems, pancreatitis or kidney stones. In case you have these problems or previously had them, consult your doctor prior taking Xenical. Also, inform your doctor if you undergo severe, continuous pain in the abdomen. This could be an indication of these problems.
* Xenical could be abused by people who have a history of eating disorders. Ensure that you inform your doctor if you previously had such an eating disorder.
* Xenical is categorized as a pregnancy Category B medication, which means that is it possibly safe to be used during pregnancy, though the complete risks associated with the drug is not known
* It is not determined if Xenical can pass through breast milk. Hence, if you are breast feeding or intend to do so, consult your doctor before starting this medication.

Xenical – Who should not take it?

Xenical should not be taken in the following cases:

* If you are allergic to orlistat, Xenical, any of the other inactive components used to manufacture Xenical. You can obtain the list of inactive ingredients from your doctor or pharmacist.
* If you are diagnosed with a medical condition that reduces your ability of food absorption.
* If you have cholestasis (a gallbladder or liver disorder that causes bile flow blockage).

Xenical Precautions and Warnings – Summing Up

There are numerous circumstances where Xenical should not be taken as well as many warnings and precautions that people should know prior to taking the medication. But, it is impossible to list out all the possible precautions and warnings in this article. Consequently, you discuss with your doctor about the Xenical precautions and warnings that could specifically apply to you.