Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Xenical (Orlistat).
Diabetes: If you have type 2 diabetes and are taking Xenical (Orlistat) in combination with other diabetes medications, you may be more at risk of experiencing Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). If you experience hypoglycemia symptoms such as sweating, dizziness, shakiness, hunger, or confusion, contact your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust the dose of your medication(s). You should continue to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly.
Fat intake: It is very important to follow recommended dietary guidelines while taking Xenical (Orlistat). The risk of side effects associated with the stomach (such as gas with discharge or oily spotting of underclothes) increases when Xenical (Orlistat) is taken with a high-fat diet. Your daily intake of fat should be distributed over three main meals and should not be more than 30% of the total calories. Discuss with your doctor or dietitian if you have any concerns or questions regarding how to manage your diet.
Gastrointestinal problems: If you have bowel or rectal problems, discuss with your doctor how Xenical (Orlistat) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Xenical (Orlistat), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Bleeding from the rectum has been reported with the use of Xenical (Orlistat). If this occurs, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Kidney stones: If you have a history of kidney stones, discuss with your doctor how Xenical (Orlistat) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Xenical (Orlistat), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver: There have been rare reports of severe liver injury in people taking Xenical (Orlistat). If you experience any symptoms such as loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark urine, light-coloured stools, or pain in the upper right part of the abdomen, contact your doctor immediately.
Seizures: Xenical (Orlistat) may interact with seizure medications by decreasing the amount of seizure medication that your body absorbs. This can result in increased seizures. If you have a history of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Xenical (Orlistat) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Xenical (Orlistat), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Thyroid: Xenical (Orlistat) may affect how well your thyroid gland works, possibly by reducing the amount of iodine available from your diet for your body to produce thyroid hormone. If you have Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels), your doctor should closely monitor your condition while you are taking Xenical (Orlistat), as it may affect thyroid levels.
Vitamins: Xenical (Orlistat) may reduce the absorption of beta-carotene and fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about taking a multivitamin supplement. If you are already on a multivitamin, take it at least 2 hours before or after taking Xenical (Orlistat), or take it at bedtime.
Pregnancy: Xenical (Orlistat) has not been adequately studied in pregnant women. Xenical (Orlistat) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Xenical (Orlistat), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Xenical (Orlistat) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and taking Xenical (Orlistat), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of Xenical (Orlistat) have not been established for use in children less than 12 years of age.
