Xenical

Xenical is a drug that is normally prescribed for treating obesity. The drug is widely prescribed as it is more effective and also comes with fewer side effects.

Xenical is a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor. The drug works by blocking the fats from being absorbed into the blood. When combined with certain anti diabetic drugs, Xenical stabilizes the glucose level in type 2 diabetic persons who are obese.

The drug is only given for persons who have a body mass index of 30 or above. Xenical has to be taken an hour before taking food. When taking xenical, always maintain a low calorie food. While you are on Xenical medication, take care that you take large amounts of multi vitamins that contain Vitamin K, A, E and D. This is needed as xenical is known to lower the intake of certain beta-carotene and soluble vitamins. Generally you have to take the multi vitamins two hours before or after your food.

Always take care that you take the right dosage at the right time. For better results, you should never miss any doses. But if you have forgotten to take a dose, there is nothing to worry. Just take the missed dose when you realize it. But care should be taken not to take the missed dose when it is time for your regular doses. Never mix two doses of xenical drug.

Before Xenical is prescribed, you have to discuss with your doctor about all your health related problems. Inform your physician if you have an under active thyroid, history of pancreatitis and kidney stones, diabetes and anorexia. If you have any of these conditions, your doctor may not prescribe Xenical or he may make changes in your dosages.

The drug is FDA pregnancy category B, which means that Xenical is not dangerous to the fetus. Even then, it will be better if pregnant women and those who hope to get pregnant discus with the doctor about all the complications related to the drug while taking during pregnancy. Breast-feeding mothers should not take the drug without talking to the doctor.

Xenical has to be avoided if you have malabsorption syndrome or cholestasis or gall bladder problems. If the obesity is related to any thyroid problem, the drug is not prescribed.

Stop taking Xenical and seek immediate medical help if you come across allergic reactions like swelling of face, throat or lips, breathing difficulty and rashes. The drug should also be discontinued if you have nausea, vomiting, severe pain in upper stomach spreading to the back and a fast heart beat. These could be signs of pancreatitis.

Oily or fatty stools, oily spotting in your undergarments, loose stools and inability to control bowel movements are some of the common symptoms that one can experience while taking xenical. These symptoms are only temporary and go away in a few weeks.

The other side effects that you may come across while taking Xenical include flu, cold, problems with teeth or gums, headache, itching and rashes.