Brand Name: Xenical
Generic Name: Orlistat

Orlistat

(OR-li-stat)

NEWLY DISCOVERED USES (OFF-LABEL)
Prevention in type 2 diabetes

ORIGINAL USES (ON-LABEL)
Management of obesity

BRAND NAME
Xenical

DRUG CLASS
Lipase inhibitor

DESCRIPTION
This drug inhibits the absorption of dietary fats by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme responsible for breaking down fats into absorbable units. This drug acts in the stomach and small intestine.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Oily spotting, flatus with discharge, fecal urgency, fatty/oily stool, oily evacuation, increased defecation, fecal incontinence, abdominal pain, gum disorder, diarrhea, nausea, rectal pain, tooth disorder, vomiting, rash, back pain, muscle aches, menstrual irregularity, influenza, ear infection, sleep disorder, urinary tract infection.

CAUTIONS

• While taking this medication, you must comply with dietary guidelines as instructed by your doctor. Side effects may increase if a high fat diet is ingested.
• Requires supplementation with fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) to ensure adequate nutrition.
• Notify your doctor if you have a history of urinary or kidney stones.
• If you are diabetic, this therapy may require a dosage adjustment in your diabetic medications.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Warfarin, cyclosporine, fat-soluble vitamins, pravastatin

FOOD INTERACTIONS
Do not take with high fat diet.

HERBAL INTERACTIONS
Cholecalciferol, vitamin E, beta carotene, linoleic acid

PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING CAUTIONS
FDA Pregnancy Risk Category B. Excretion in breast milk unknown. Breast-feeding is not recommended during therapy.

SPECIAL INFORMATION
You should be on a nutritionally balanced, reduced calorie diet that contains approximately 30% of calories from fat. Daily intake of fat, carbohydrate, and protein should be distributed over the three main meals. Read patient brochure completely prior to starting therapy.