Q: What is Xenical?
A: Xenical is a prescription weight loss medication that can be used to help people lose weight and maintain an ideal or healthy weight.
Q: Who should take Xenical?
A: People who are obese or significantly overweight and would like to lose weight may be good candidates to take Xenical. It is best to consult a doctor before taking Xenical to find out your Body Mass Index (BMI) and to determine if Xenical is the best weight loss medication for you (or you can use the BMI calculator on this webpage to determine your own BMI number.)
Generally, if you are at least 30% above your ideal weight or if you have a BMI of 30 or greater, Xenical may be prescribed. Xenical may also be right for you if you are at least 20% above your ideal weight or have a BMI of 27 or greater, and if you have one or more other risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease or diabetes.
Q: How does Xenical work?
A: Xenical works in the digestive system to block fats from being absorbed into the body. Your body contains enzymes called lipases that enable the body to absorb the fat you consume. Xenical works on the lipases and prevents them from breaking down some of the fat that is consumed. The fat that is not absorbed in your body is eliminated in your bowel movements.
Q: How is Xenical different from other weight loss drugs?
A: Some weight loss drugs work on the brain or central nervous system to speed up your metabolism or to suppress your appetite. Unlike these weight loss products, Xenical works in your digestive system in a way that prevents about one-third of the fat you consume from being absorbed into the body.
Q: How should I take Xenical?
A: Xenical is usually taken orally, three times a day with some liquid. The recommended dose is one 120 mg capsule of Xenical, taken usually with meals that contain fat or up to one hour after the meal.
Q: Are there dietary precautions that should be observed while using Xenical?
A: There are no particular foods that are prohibited when you are taking Xenical, but in order to get the best weight loss results, Xenical should be used along with a physician-supervised diet that minimizes foods that are high in calories and fat. For effective weight loss with Xenical, it is important that no more than 30% of the calories in your diet come from fat. You should also ensure that your daily intake of fat, protein and carbohydrate is spread evenly over the three main meals.
Since Xenical works to limit the absorption of fat, it may also decrease your body’s absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, E, D, K and beta carotene. Speak to your doctor about taking a daily multivitamin supplement to ensure adequate nutrition while taking Xenical. Your vitamin supplement should be taken once a day, at least two hours before or after taking Xenical.
Q: How soon should I expect to notice the weight loss effects of Xenical?
A: You should notice some weight loss within two weeks of starting on Xenical, and you may continue to lose weight for up to 12 months, after which the rate of losing weight might level off. Continuing to take Xenical even then may help to keep the weight off. Keep your doctor informed about your diet and your progress in losing weight with Xenical, so that he or she can readjust your calorie restrictions or your activity level to ensure the best results.
Q: How long should I take Xenical to lose weight most effectively?
A: Your doctor and you should decide together how long you should take Xenical as part of a weight loss program. Using Xenical for more than two years has not been tested.
Q: What happens if I miss a dose of Xenical?
A: If you miss a dose of Xenical, take the missed dose up to one hour after the meal, or if more than one hour has passed, skip that dose and take only your next regular dose. If you miss a meal or have a meal that contains little or no fat, then you can skip your dose of Xenical for that meal also.
Q: What are the possible side effects of Xenical for weight loss?
A: The possible side effects of taking Xenical can include oily spotting, flatulence, an increased number of bowel movements, loose, oily or fatty stools, and abdominal discomfort. These side effects generally diminish as the Xenical treatment continues. However, if you experience an allergic reaction while using Xenical, like a sudden shortness of breath; tightening of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue or face; or hives, stop taking the Xenical immediately and seek emergency medical help.
For more information regarding weight loss and to find out whether Xenical can help you lose weight and keep it off, visit the online knowledge base at eDrugstore.md. Also, see the Xenical product information page for details regarding Xenical pricing and ordering.
