Xenical Weight Loss Pill Overview
Xenical - What is it?
Xenical® (orlistat) is a weight loss medication available only on prescription. It has been approved to aid people in their weight loss efforts and to avoid regaining weight in people who have lost it.
Xenical - Who manufactures it?
Xenical is manufactured by Roche Pharmaceuticals.
Xenical - How does it work?
Xenical works by reducing the absorption of fat from your food. The intestine and stomach contain enzymes, known as lipases. These enzymes work by breaking down fat into small molecules that are absorbed from the digestive tract. Xenical merges with the lipases and restricts their activity, aiding in reduced fat absorption. This drug has no effect on protein or carbohydrates.
Xenical - Effects
Studies have proved that Xenical aids in weight loss. After six months of using this medication in combination with dieting, people lost approximately 12.4 pounds in comparison with people not using this medication and dieting alone, losing only 6.2 pounds. After one year of using this medication in combination with dieting, people lost approximately 13.4 pounds in comparison with people not using this medication and dieting alone, losing only 5.8 pounds. Additionally, people using this medication for a year experienced a reduction in LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar when compared to those not using it experienced increase in all the mentioned factors.
The studies of Xenical use in people who have type 2 diabetes showed that the drug enhanced numerous measures of diabetes control, for instance hemoglobin A1c and fasting glucose. A lot of people were able to decrease or stop their medications for diabetes. Also, some studies have shown that this medication can aid in the prevention on type 2 diabetes in people who are obese.
There have been Xenical studies and evaluated in its effectiveness of helping people who have already lost weight to keep off weight. As per a study, 52 percent of people not using the drug regained the lost weight when compared to only 26 percent of people taking this drug.
Xenical – Timing and Procedure of taking it
Some of the general consideration for the timing and procedure of taking this medication are as follows:
* It is available in the form of a capsule and is to be taken orally along with every fat-containing meal, maximum of three times a day.
* In case you skip a meal or have a meal with no fat, you should skip your Xenical dose.
* This drug should be had with a combination of a low fat, low calorie diet. Using too much fat in your diet enhances the risk of side effects. Generally, you should restrict your daily fat intake to below 30 percent of your daily calorie intake.
* For this medication to be effective, it should be taken as per prescription.
Xenical - Dosage
There is a single suggested dose, irrespective of your weight, age, current medications or present medical condition.
Xenical - Side Effects
As in the case of any medicine, there are likely side effects on use of this drug. But, not all people using this drug will develop these side effects. Actually, most people bear it rather well. In case, side effects occur, they are minor and need no treatment or could be treated without difficulty by you or your doctor. The occurrences of serious side effects are uncommon.
Some of the common side effects are:
* Oily spotting (unrestrained anal oil leakage)
* Stomach pain
* Fecal urgency (a pressing however controlled want to empty the bowel)
* Gas with a little quantity of stool or oil.
Xenical - Drug Interactions
Xenical could interact with numerous other medications.
Xenical - What should I inform my doctor?
You need to consult your doctor before taking this drug, in case you have:
* Thyroid disorders
* Diabetes
* Problems of the gall bladder
* Previously had kidney stones
* Any medical condition which reduces ability to absorb food
* Previously had pancreatitis
* Undergone an organ transplant.
Also, inform your doctor in case you are:
* Pregnant or planning to get pregnant
* Breast feeding.
Ensure you inform your doctor about all medications you are on that includes non-prescription and prescription drugs, herbal supplements and vitamins.
Xenical – What to do in case of an overdose?
What is to be expected from a Xenical overdose is not exactly known, other that the general side effects. Some side effects could be severe. In case you take an overdose, immediately seek medical help.
Xenical – How to store it?
Xenical should be kept away from heat and moisture, stored at room temperature. You should keep the drug in an airtight container.
Keep all medicines as well as Xenical out of children’s reach.
Xenical – Missed dose
In case you miss taking your Xenical dose as per schedule, you can take the dose if it is within an hour of meal. If more than an hour has lapsed, you can skip that particular missed dose and carry on with your usual schedule. Never take a double dose of medication.
Xenical – Available strengths
Xenical is available in a single strength of Xenical 120 mg capsules.
Xenical - Is there a generic version?
Presently, there is generic version of Xenical that are approved for sale.
Xenical – Is it available without prescription?
One non-prescription version of Xenical is available in the name of Alli™. But, it is of lower strength and its orlistat content is half of what is in Xenical.
