Description
- Rectal pain
- Stomach pain
- Gas with a discharge
- Problems related to controlling bowel movements
- An oily discharge causing spotting on the underwear
Details
Xenical (Orlistat) is used to help with weight loss in obese people who wish to reduce their weight, so as to reduce the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, breathing difficulties and other complications that can occur as a result of obesity. Patients whose diet contains too much fat may gain weight due to the body storing any excess fat. However, this medicine acts in the digestive system and attaches itself enzymes (called lipases), and prevents the body from absorbing the fat. Instead, the fat is removed in the patient`s feces, leading to a reduction of one third in the amount of fat that the body absorbs.
Treatment of obesity with Xenical (Orlistat) involves making dietary changes as well as regular exercise. Each of these capsules contains 120mg of the active ingredient, and some patients may be instructed by their physician to take it 3 times per day. Generally, one capsule is taken with each meal containing fat. The capsule is usually taken with the meal, however, if it is taken after eating, the patient should take it within 1 hour of finishing the food. The dosage can be skipped if the meal is not eaten, or else if a meal is free of fat.
Patients taking Xenical (Orlistat) may experience side effects, some of which may be related to bowel movements. A list of examples is given here:
Discuss any side effects that occur with your physician. Serious side effects are considered to be less common. However, if you experience decreased urination, appetite loss, severe pain in the stomach or any other side effects, you must immediately seek medical treatment.
If you suffer from liver problems, medical conditions affecting the kidneys, thyroid problems, eating disorders or diabetes, you must inform your physician about your condition before taking this medicine.
Some patients may experience problems related to the absorption of vitamins caused by treatment with this medication. Your physician may prescribe a multivitamin supplement to prevent this.
