Xenical Side Effects

Xenical Side Effects - An Introduction

As in the case of most medicines, there are likely side effects on the use of Xenical® (orlistat). But, not all people using this medication would experience side effects. In reality, a lot of people endure it fairly well. In case there are side effects, it is most likely to be minor and would not require treatment or could be treatable easily by you or your doctor.

Xenical - Common Side Effects

There have been thorough studies on Xenical in clinical trials. As per these studies, the side effects experienced by a group of people using this medication are documented and evaluated with the side effects occurring in a group of people not using the medication. Using this method, it is probable to analyze the side effect that occurs, their frequency of occurrence and their comparison to the group not on this medication.

As per the studies, the most common side effects were that relating to the digestive, as expected considering the working of Xenical. Some of the side effects were as follows:

* Abdominal discomfort or pain in about 25.5 percent of the people
* Oily spotting (unrestrained anal oil leakage) in about 26.6 percent of the people
* Gas with a little quantity of stool or oil in about 23.9 percent of the people
* Oily evacuation (bowel movements of only oil but no stool) in about 11.9 percent of the people
* Fecal urgency (a pressing however controlled want to empty the bowel) in about 22.1 percent of the people
* Greater occurrence of bowel movements in about 10.8 percent of the people
* Unrestrained, spontaneous movements of the bowel movements (fecal incontinence) in about 7.7 percent of the people Oily or fatty stool in about 20 percent of the people
* Sickness in about 8.1 percent of the people.

A lot of Xenical side effects that concern the digestive tract could be reduced or avoided by reducing the intake of fat in your diet. Since Xenical reduces fat absorption, a lot of fat gets accumulated in the digestive tract, resulting in troublesome and at times awkward side effects. You could probably face these problems in case your intake of fat is high. As you keep on taking Xenical, you would understand how you are affected by different foods and quantities of fat intake. Actually, according to the studies, the occurrence of these side effects is less common in the second year of usage. If case your meal has a high fat content and you have consumed Xenical, you might need to be prepared to face the likely side effects.

Some of the other general side effects that occur in about 4 to 40 percent of people using this mediation are:

* Flu
* Headaches
* Exhaustion
* Back pain
* Respiratory tract infections (for example, the common cold)
* Irregular menstruation
* Apprehension
* Ear infection.

Xenical – Serious Side Effects

There are a few side effects of Xenical, though not frequently occurring is likely to be serious and need to be immediately informed to your doctor. Some of the serious side effects are:

* Gall bladder disease or worsening of the existing gall bladder disease
* Acute stomach pain
* Kidney stones
* Allergic reactions, such as:

o Hives
o Unexplained rash
o Itching
o Wheezing
o Unexplained swelling
o Trouble in swallowing or breathing.

Xenical Side Effects – Summing Up

You could experience a few or no side effects mentioned above on the use of Xenical. However, it is hard to ascertain if a specific side effect for instance, nausea is a result of Xenical usage or due to some other factors. Consequently, ensure to inform your doctor in case you develop any side effects on using the medication. Even if the side effect is not a result of using the medication, your doctor can diagnose and suggest a treatment for the problem.