Xenical is used with a doctor-approved exercise, behavior change, and reduced-calorie diet program to help you lose weight. It is used by certain overweight people, such as those who are obese or have weight-related medical problems. Taking Xenical can also help keep you from gaining back weight you have lost. Losing weight and keeping it off can lessen the many health risks that come with obesity, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and a shorter life.Dietary fats need to be broken down into smaller pieces before the body can absorb them. Xenical works by blocking the enzyme that breaks down fats in your diet. This undigested fat then passes out of your body in your bowel movement. Xenical does not block the absorption of calories from sugar and other non-fat foods, so you still need to restrict your total intake of calories.

How to use Xenical

If you are taking the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read all directions on the product package before taking this medication.

If your doctor has prescribed this medication, read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking Xenical and each time you get a refill. Take this medication as directed by your doctor, by mouth with liquid sometime during each meal that contains fat or within 1 hour after the meal, usually 3 times daily. If you miss a meal or your meal contains no fat, skip that dose of the medication. To decrease the chance of unpleasant side effects, it is very important that no more than 30% of the calories in your diet come from fat. Your daily intake of fat, protein, and carbohydrates should be evenly spread over 3 main meals.

Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

Because this drug can interfere with the absorption of certain vitamins (fat-soluble vitamins including A, D, E, K), a daily multivitamin supplement containing these nutrients is recommended. Take the multivitamin at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking Xenical (such as at bedtime).