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Produced by Roche, Xenical is a prescription weight loss drug that helps treat obesity by preventing the body from absorbing fats. This diet pill is intended to be taken in conjunction with a healthy, low-calorie diet. Its generic name is Orlistat; it is also sold over-the-counter under the brand name Alli (made by GlaxoSmithKline).

Although effective, Xenical can only enact modest physical alterations. Clinical trials indicate that patients who took the weight loss medication (along with eating healthy and exercising) lost between 4 and 7 more pounds than individuals who made the same lifestyle changes without taking the medication.

Xenical has been proven to reduce the incidence of diabetes in obese patients by as much as 40 percent, and is also prescribed to overweight individuals who also suffer from high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

How to Take Xenical (Orlistat)

• Ingest a capsule with (or up to one hour following) breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Balance your diet, with the help of your doctor or a nutritionist, so that no more than 30 percent of your dietary calories are from fat
• Skip a dose if you miss a meal or eat a meal that contains no fat
• Should you miss a Xenical dose, don't double up on the medication; wait to take the next dose at the next substantial meal you eat

Patients who should NOT take orlistat include those with a history of:

• impaired gallbladder or liver function
• malabsorption, the inability to effectively absorb nutrients from food
• obstructed bile duct
• pancreatic disease
• severe allergic reaction

The FDA Reviews Possible Orlistat Side Effects

In August 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it will be conducting a thorough review of potentially dangerous side effects associated with orlistat. From 1999 through October 2008, the FDA has received 32 patient reports regarding the development of serious liver injuries following use of orlistat, Xenical and/or Alli.

Specifically, the types of liver injuries have resulted in:

• abdominal pain
• general weakness
• jaundice

In six cases, patients experienced liver failure.

It's important to note that, currently, no direct link between using orlistat and developing liver problems has been confirmed.

As a result, the FDA is advising that:

• Doctors don't alter their prescribing practices
• Patients only use as directed

Should you or a loved one develop injuries after taking a weight loss medication:

• Seek immediate medical attention to prevent further damage to your health
• Work with your doctor to find a healthy alternative weight loss medication
• Consult with an experienced defective drug attorney to learn more about your legal rights

Defective drug lawyers offer initial consultations for free to encourage injured parties to seek the settlements they deserve. For more information, contact our Xenical lawyers today.