Xenical

Important Facts

Xenical works for considerably overweight people (at least 30% above ideal weight or a body mass index of 30 or greater). Xenical may also be right for you if you are overweight (at least 20% above ideal weight or a body mass index of 27 or greater) and also have other risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, or diabetes.

You should not take xenical if you are consistently having problems absorbing food (chronic malabsorption), or have gallbladder problems, or are pregnant or are breastfeeding a child, or have ever had an allergic reaction to orlistat (the active ingredient of xenical), or any of the inactive ingredients in xenical.

Avoid taking xenical if you suffer from chronic malabsorption syndrome - a condition that prevents nutrients from passing from your stomach into your bloodstream - or from cholestasis, a blockage in the supply of bile needed for digestion.

Before beginning treatment with xenical, make sure your doctor knows if you are:

• allergic to any medicines, foods, or dyes;
• taking any other weight-loss medication;
• taking any other weight-loss medication;
• taking cyclosporine;
• taking any other medicines (including those not prescribed by your doctor);
• taking any dietary supplements, including herbal products;
• planning to become pregnant; or
• anorexic or bulimic.

This information will help you and your physician decide if the expected advantages of xenical are greater than any possible disadvantages.