How long should I use XENICAL?
The use of XENICAL for more than 4 years has not been studied. You and your doctor
should discuss how long you should use XENICAL.

What are the most common side effects of XENICAL?
Because XENICAL works by blocking the absorption of dietary fat, it is likely that you
will experience some changes in bowel habits. These generally occur during the first
weeks of treatment; however, they may continue throughout your use of XENICAL.
These changes may include oily spotting, gas with discharge, urgent need to go to the
bathroom, oily or fatty stools, an oily discharge, increased number of bowel movements,
and inability to control bowel movements. Due to the presence of undigested fat, the oil
seen in a bowel movement may be clear or have a coloration such as orange or brown.

These bowel changes are a natural effect of blocking the fat from being absorbed and
indicate that XENICAL is working. They generally occur early in treatment, particularly
after meals containing higher amounts of fat than are recommended. These symptoms are
often temporary and may lessen or disappear as you continue treatment and keep to your
recommended diet of meals containing no more than about 30% fat. However, these side
effects may occur in some individuals over a period of 6 months or longer.

You must use XENICAL with a recommended mildly reduced-calorie diet. You
should also follow a program of regular physical activity, such as walking. However,
before you undertake any activity or exercise program, be sure to speak with your
doctor or health care professional.

In obese adolescent patients treated with XENICAL, the side effects reported were
similar to those observed in adults.

How can I reduce dietary fat?
To help you get started on reducing the fat in your diet to around 30%, read the labels on
all the foods you buy. You should avoid foods that contain more than 30% fat while you
are taking XENICAL.

When eating meat, poultry or fish, limit your portion to 2 or 3 ounces (roughly the
size of a deck of cards). Choose lean cuts of meat and remove the skin from poultry.
Fill up your meal plate by including more grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Replace whole-milk products with nonfat or 1% milk and nonfat, reduced-fat, or low-
fat dairy items.
Cook with less fat. Use vegetable oil spray when cooking. Salad dressings, many
baked items, and prepackaged, processed, and fast foods are usually high in fat. Use
the low- or non-fat versions and/or cut back on serving sizes.