Xenical

Xenical blocks some of the fat that you eat, keeping it from being absorbed by your body.
Xenical is used together with a reduced-calorie diet and weight maintenance to treat obesity in people with certain risk factors (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol or triglycerides).
Do not take Xenical if you are allergic to orlistat, or if you have gallbladder problems, or chronic malabsorption syndrome (an inability to absorb food and nutrients properly).
Before taking Xenical, tell your doctor if you have an underactive thyroid, a history of gallstones or pancreatitis, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, an eating disorder, liver disease, or if you take other weight-loss medications (prescription or over-the-counter).
Do not give over-the-counter orlistat (Alli) to a child younger than 18 years old. Prescription orlistat (Xenical) should not be used by anyone age 12 to 18 without the advice of a doctor. Xenical should be used only by the person it was prescribed or recommended for and should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of eating disorder. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.
Xenical is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Your daily intake of fat, protein, and carbohydrates should be evenly divided over all of your daily meals. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
Take Xenical during or within 1 hour after a meal that contains some fat (no more than 30% of the calories for that meal). Xenical is usually taken 3 times daily. If you skip a meal or you eat a meal that does not contain any fat, skip your Xenical dose for that meal. The fat content of your daily diet should not be greater than 30% of your total daily caloric intake. Avoid a diet that is high in fat. High-fat meals taken in combination with Xenical can increase your risk of unpleasant side effects on your stomach or intestines.
Read the label of all food items you consume, paying special attention to the number of servings per container. Your doctor, nutrition counselor, or dietitian can help you develop a healthy eating plan.
Your doctor may recommend you take vitamin and mineral supplements while you are taking Xenical. This medication can make it harder for your body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type of multi-vitamin or mineral supplement to use. Take the supplement at least 2 hours before or after you take Xenical.
Do not take Xenical if you are allergic to orlistat, or if you have:
• chronic malabsorption syndrome (an inability to absorb food and nutrients properly); or
• gallbladder problems.
Before taking Xenical, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
• an underactive thyroid;
• a history of gallstones;
• a history of pancreatitis;
• liver disease;
• type 1 or type 2 diabetes;
• an eating disorder (anorexia or bulimia); or
• if you take any other weight-loss medications (prescription or over-the-counter).
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Xenical, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Taking Xenical can make it harder for your body to absorb certain vitamins. These vitamins are important if you are nursing a baby. Do not use Xenical without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give over-the-counter orlistat (Alli) to a child younger than 18 years old. Prescription orlistat (Xenical) should not be used by anyone age 12 to 18 without the advice of a doctor. Xenical should be used only by the person it was prescribed or recommended for and should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of eating disorder. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.
Take Xenical exactly as directed on the label, or as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Xenical comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Xenical is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Your daily intake of fat, protein, and carbohydrates should be evenly divided over all of your daily meals. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
Take Xenical with a full glass of water. Take Xenical during or within 1 hour after a meal that contains some fat (no more than 30% of the calories for that meal). Xenical is usually taken 3 times daily.
If you skip a meal or you eat a meal that does not contain any fat, skip your Xenical dose for that meal.
The fat content of your daily diet should not be greater than 30% of your total daily caloric intake. For example, if you eat 1200 calories per day, no more than 360 of those calories should be in the form of fat.
Read the label of all food items you consume, paying special attention to the number of servings per container. Your doctor, nutrition counselor, or dietitian can help you develop a healthy eating plan.
Your doctor may recommend you take vitamin and mineral supplements while you are taking Xenical. This medication can make it harder for your body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type of multi-vitamin or mineral supplement to use.
Take the supplement at least 2 hours before or after you take Xenical.
Store Xenical at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed.
Keep track of how many pills have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Xenical is a drug that may be misused as a weight-loss aid, and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but no more than 1 hour after eating a meal. If it has been more than an hour since your last meal, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
If you miss a meal, or if you have a meal without fat, you can skip your dose of Xenical for that meal also.


Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking Xenical and call your doctor at once if you have severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, and a fast heart rate. These could be signs of pancreatitis.
The following side effects occur commonly with the use of Xenical. They are the natural effects of Xenical's fat-blocking action and are actually signs that the medication is working properly. These side effects are usually temporary and may lessen as you continue treatment with Xenical:
• oily spotting in your undergarments;
• oily or fatty stools;
• orange or brown colored oil in your stool;
• gas with discharge, an oily discharge;
• loose stools, or an urgent need to go to the bathroom, inability to control bowel movements;
• an increased number of bowel movements;
• stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rectal pain; or
• weakness, dark urine, clay-colored stools, itching, loss of appetite, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Other side effects that may occur while taking Xenical include:
• problems with your teeth or gums;
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, cough;
• fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms;
• headache, back pain; or
• mild skin rash.
Before taking Xenical, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
• insulin or diabetes medications you take by mouth;
• cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune);
• digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);
• levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid); or
• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).
If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use Xenical, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Xenical. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Questran

Questran Powder is used for:

Lowering blood cholesterol levels. It is used along with changes in diet. It is used to relieve itching caused by partial biliary obstruction. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Questran Powder is a bile acid sequestrant/anion-exchange resin. It works by increasing the removal of bile acids from the body. As the body loses bile acids, it replaces them by converting cholesterol from the blood to bile acids. This causes the blood level of cholesterol to decrease.

Do NOT use Questran Powder if:

* you are allergic to any ingredient in Questran Powder

* you have a complete obstruction of your biliary tract, severe constipation (eg, impacted feces), high blood chloride levels, or certain types of elevated blood lipid levels (type III, IV, or V hyperlipidemia)

* if you are taking mycophenolate

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Questran Powder. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

* if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

* if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

* if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

* if you have heart disease; constipation; hemorrhoids; gallbladder problems; blood, bleeding, or clotting problems; high blood levels of triglycerides; poor absorption from the intestinal tract or other intestinal problems; kidney problems; or phenylketonuria (PKU)

* if you are dehydrated

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Questran Powder. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

* Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), digoxin, digitoxin, estrogens, hormonal contraceptives (eg, birth control pills), mycophenolate, penicillins (eg, amoxicillin), phenobarbital, phenylbutazone, phosphate supplements, progestins (eg, medroxyprogesterone), tetracyclines (eg, doxycycline), thiazide diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide), or thyroid hormones (eg, levothyroxine) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Questran Powder

* Spironolactone because the risk of high blood chloride levels may be increased

Use Questran Powder as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* Questran Powder is usually taken by mouth with meals.

* Questran Powder may decrease the absorption of other medicines. All other medicines should be taken at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after taking Questran Powder. Check with your doctor if you have any questions about taking your other medicines along with Questran Powder.

* If you are also taking anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), take Questran Powder at least 6 hours after you take the anticoagulant unless directed otherwise by your doctor.

* Do not take Questran Powder in its dry form. Always mix with water or other fluids before taking.

* If you are taking Questran Powder with a beverage, add the prescribed amount of medicine to 2 to 6 ounces/60 to 180 mL of water or other noncarbonated liquid before taking. Stir until well mixed (it will not dissolve) before drinking. After drinking all the liquid, rinse the glass with more liquid and drink it to ensure that all medicine is received.

* Questran Powder may also be mixed with soups (chicken noodle, tomato) or fruits (eg, applesauce, crushed pineapple) containing plenty of fluid.

* Do not sip Questran Powder or hold it in your mouth for a long period of time because this may cause tooth changes such as discoloration, decay, or erosion of enamel. Maintain good oral hygiene while you are using Questran Powder.

* Drink several glasses (8 ounces/240 mL) of water or other liquid daily, unless directed otherwise by your doctor.

* If you miss a dose of Questran Powder, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Questran Powder.

* Questran Powder may cause dizziness or drowsiness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Questran Powder with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

* If you experience constipation while taking Questran Powder, talk to your doctor about increased fiber intake and use of a stool softener to help relieve this side effect.

* Phenylketonuria patients - Some of these products contain phenylalanine. If you must have a diet that is low in phenylalanine, ask your pharmacist if it is in your product.

* The color of the powder may vary from batch to batch. This is normal and does not change the effect.

* Hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills) may not work as well while you are using Questran Powder. To prevent pregnancy, use an extra form of birth control (eg, condoms).

* Lab tests, including lipid and cholesterol levels and prothrombin times, may be performed while you use Questran Powder. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

* Use Questran Powder with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially constipation.

* Caution is advised when using Questran Powder in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially high blood chloride levels.

* PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Questran Powder while you are pregnant. It is not known if Questran Powder is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Questran Powder, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black or bloody stools; irritation of the skin, tongue, or anal area; severe constipation; severe or persistent nausea; shortness of breath; stomach pain; unusual bruising or bleeding; vomiting.

Store Questran Powder at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Questran Powder out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Welchol

Welchol is used for:

Reducing high cholesterol levels. It may be used alone or with other medicines, in addition to diet and exercise. It is also used along with other medicines to control blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Welchol is a bile acid sequestrant. It works by increasing the removal of bile acids from the body. As the body loses bile acids, it replaces them by converting cholesterol from the blood to bile acids. This causes the blood level of cholesterol to decrease.

Use Welchol as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* Take Welchol by mouth with plenty of fluids and a meal.

* If you also take glyburide, birth control pills, phenytoin, or thyroid hormone replacements (eg, levothyroxine), take them at least 4 hours before you take Welchol

* Continue to take Welchol even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

* If you miss a dose of Welchol , take it with a liquid at your next meal. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Welchol .

* Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your health care provider.

* Diabetes patients - Be sure to test your blood sugar regularly as directed by your health care provider.

* It may take several weeks for Welchol to begin working.

* If Welchol causes constipation, check with your doctor or pharmacist for ways to lessen this effect.

* Diabetes patients - Welchol may cause low blood sugar. Low blood sugar may make you anxious, sweaty, weak, dizzy, drowsy, or faint. It may also make your heart beat faster; make your vision change; give you a headache, chills, or tremors; or make you more hungry. It is a good idea to carry a reliable source of glucose (eg, tablets or gel) to treat low blood sugar. If this is not available, you should eat or drink a quick source of sugar like table sugar, honey, candy, orange juice, or non-diet soda. This will raise your blood sugar level quickly. Tell your doctor right away if this happens. To prevent low blood sugar, eat meals at the same time each day and do not skip meals.

* Lab tests, including a lipid profile, may be performed while you use Welchol . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

* Welchol should not be used in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.

* PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Welchol while you are pregnant. It is not known if Welchol is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Welchol , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Store Welchol at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Welchol out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Caduet

Atorvastatin is in a group of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, or "statins." Atorvastatin blocks the production of cholesterol (a type of fat) in the body.
Amlodipine is in a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Amlodipine relaxes the blood vessels, improving blood flow and making it easier for the heart to pump.
Caduet is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) or chest pain (angina) that occurs with high cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
Caduet may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Do not take this medication if you are allergic to amlodipine (Norvasc) or atorvastatin (Lipitor), or if you have liver disease.
Before taking Caduet, tell your doctor if you have liver problems, heart disease, congestive heart failure, a serious illness or infection, or if you are taking other heart or blood pressure medications.
This medication is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
Avoid drinking alcohol. Both alcohol and atorvastatin can be damaging to the liver. Alcohol can also further lower blood pressure and can increase some of the side effects of Caduet. Caduet can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
This medication is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
Take the medicine with a full glass of water.
You may take this medication with or without food. Caduet is usually taken once a day. Try to take your dose at the same time each day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
You may need to stop using the medication if you have an injury, serious infection or illness, seizures, metabolic disorders, or any type of surgery. Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are taking Caduet.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
Store Caduet at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. This medication will not be as effective in treating your condition if you do not follow the diet plan recommended by your doctor.
Avoid drinking alcohol. Both alcohol and atorvastatin can be damaging to the liver. Alcohol can also further lower blood pressure and can increase some of the side effects of Caduet. Caduet can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Caduet. The interaction could lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.
Amlodipine and atorvastatin is available with a prescription under the brand name Caduet. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Caduet 5 mg - amlodipine/40 mg atorvastatin-white tablets
Caduet 5 mg - amlodipine/80 mg atorvastatin-white tablets
Caduet 10 mg - amlodipine/40 mg atorvastatin-blue tablets
Caduet 10 mg - amlodipine/80 mg atorvastatin-blue tablets
Caduet 5 mg - amlodipine/10 mg atorvastatin-white tablets
Caduet 5 mg - amlodipine/20 mg atorvastatin-white tablets
Caduet 10 mg - amlodipine/10 mg atorvastatin-blue tablets
Caduet 10 mg - amlodipine/20 mg atorvastatin-blue tablets
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.