Xenical is a medication that contains the active ingredient orlistat and is available in the form of turquoise hard-gelatin capsules. The capsules contain 120 mg of orlistat and inactive ingredients such as microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, sodium lauryl sulfate, povidone, and talc. The capsule shell contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, and FD&C Blue No. .
Xenical is used to treat obesity and works by blocking the absorption of some of the fat in the food you eat. Some common side effects of Xenical include bowel urgency, frequent bowel movements, oily evacuation, oily rectal leakage, steatorrhea, and flatulence with discharge. Other side effects include fecal incontinence, discolored stools, diarrhea, gas with discharge, inability to control bowel movements, increases in bowel movements, oily or fatty stools, oily spotting of underclothes, and urgent need to have a bowel movement.
Xenical may also cause serious side effects such as blood in your urine, urinating less than usual or not at all, drowsiness, confusion, mood changes, increased thirst, swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath, severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, and fast heart rate.
Patients should be informed of potential risks which include lowered absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and potential liver injury, increases in urinary oxalate, and cholelithiasis. Xenical may interact with other medications such as cyclosporine, levothyroxine, warfarin, amiodarone, antiepileptic drugs, and antiretroviral drugs.
If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor. It is important to note that this medication may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
