ZENICOOL

ZENICOOL 120mg

 

What is this medicine?
ZENICOOL 120 mg is a lipase inhibitor (generic orlistat). This medicine is used to treat obesity and overweight (BMI ≥ 30, or ≥ 28 with risk factors). It works by blocking the absorption of dietary fats in the digestive system, helping to reduce calorie absorption when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and exercise program.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• Allergy to orlistat or any capsule ingredients

• Chronic malabsorption syndrome or cholestasis (liver disorder)

• Gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, or kidney stones

• Underactive thyroid or if you’re taking levothyroxine or iodine salts

• Taking ciclosporin, warfarin, amiodarone, antiepileptics, or psychiatric medications

• Pregnant or breastfeeding—zerocool is not recommended in pregnancy and caution advised for breastfeeding

Also inform if you have:

• Liver or kidney disease

• Eating disorders

• Using fat-soluble vitamins (may require supplementation)

How should I use this medicine?
Take one 120 mg capsule orally with water, immediately before, during, or up to 1 hour after each main meal that contains fat. If you skip a meal or eat a meal with no fat, skip that dose.

• Use while following a nutritionally balanced, mildly hypocaloric diet with ~30% calories from fat and maintain healthy lifestyle habits.

• Continue treatment for up to 12 weeks; if < 5% body weight lost after 12 weeks, your provider may discontinue therapy.

• Overdosage: contact poison control or emergency department immediately.

• Do not share your medicine.

What if I miss a dose?
Take it as soon as possible only if within 1 hour of the associated meal. If it’s been longer, skip it and take the next dose with your next meal. Never double dose

What may interact with this medicine?

• Ciclosporin – avoid or monitor levels

• Anticoagulants like warfarin – monitor coagulation

• Iodine salts/levothyroxine – may affect thyroid function

• Amiodarone, anticonvulsants, psychiatric medications, HIV, depression, anxiety, epilepsy meds

• Oral contraceptives – severe diarrhea may reduce effectiveness; use backup method

• Fat-soluble vitamins—absorption reduced; supplement recommended

Ask your healthcare provider about all medications, herbs, OTC products, supplements, alcohol, and lifestyle habits you use.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

• Visit your doctor regularly to monitor weight loss and ensure a BMI/health improvement.

• If no ≥ 5% weight reduction after 12 weeks, treatment discontinuation should be considered.

• Watch for signs of vitamin deficiency (fat-soluble vitamins), and consider scheduled lab tests.

• Monitor for signs of kidney stones (e.g. flank pain or blood in urine) .

• Be aware of gastrointestinal side effects especially after high-fat meals; plan meals accordingly .

• Use additional contraception due to potential decreased effectiveness of oral contraceptives .

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Report these to your doctor immediately:

• Severe or prolonged stomach/rectal pain or cramps

• Rectal bleeding or oily discharge

• Persistent diarrhea

• Signs of kidney stones (severe back/side pain, blood in urine)

• Any allergic symptoms

Common mild side effects (usually not serious):

• Oily spotting, oily or fatty stools

• Flatulence with discharge, increased bowel movements, fecal urgency

• Abdominal pain or discomfort

Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20–25 °C (68–77 °F); brief exposures to 15–30 °C (59–86 °F) are acceptable.

Protect from moisture and light.

Discard unused medicine after the expiration date.