Online pharmacy weblog

Hi Everyone,

With the potential side effects associated, I am not sure if this is really a good drug to take. Not necessarily for health issues, but
for the fact that I may not have the control that most of us take for granted.

…”Side effects include gas, the urgent need to have a bowel movement, oily bowel movements, oily discharge or spotting with bowel
movements, an increased frequency of bowel movements, and the inability to control bowel movements…”

Joe Medina, CPhT

————
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved orlistat capsules as an
over-the-counter (OTC) treatment for overweight adults. The drug,
whose brand name is Xenical, had previously been approved in 1999 as a
prescription weight loss aid. The OTC preparation will have a lower
dosage than prescription Xenical and will be produced and sold by
GlaxoSmithKline under the name of Alli.

Unlike appetite suppressants, orlistat (Xenical) works as a weight
loss aid by acting upon the function of the gastrointestinal tract.
The drug binds to an enzyme known as gastrointestinal lipase and
inhibits the action of this enzyme, which plays a role in breaking
down fats for absorption in the GI tract. As a result, up to 30% of
ingested fat is not absorbed by the body.

Orlistat is recommended only for people 18 years of age and over in
combination with a diet and exercise regimen. People who have
difficulties with the absorption of food or who are not overweight
should not take orlistat. Overweight is defined by the U.S. National
Institutes of Health as having a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or greater.

Orlistat can be taken up to three times a day, with each
fat-containing meal. The drug may be taken during the meal or up to
one hour after the meal. If the meal is missed or is very low in fat
content, the medications should not be taken. Because of its
interference with absorption of fat from the GI tract, the absorption
of the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) may also be affected in
people taking orlistat. It is recommended that those taking orlistat
also take a daily multivitamin supplement containing these vitamins.

The most common side effects of orlistat (Xenical) are changes in
bowel habits. These include gas, the urgent need to have a bowel
movement, oily bowel movements, oily discharge or spotting with bowel
movements, an increased frequency of bowel movements, and the
inability to control bowel movements. Women may also notice
irregularities in the menstrual cycle while taking orlistat. Side
effects are most common in the first few weeks after beginning to take
orlistat. In some people the side effects persist for as long as they
are taking the drug.

People with diabetes, thyroid conditions, who have received an organ
transplant, or who are taking prescription medications that affect
blood clotting should check with their physician before using OTC
orlistat (Alli), since drug interactions with certain medications are
possible.