Clipping Board » Drug Poisoning ─ It is necessary to be aware of the toxic side effects before taking medication.
Update Date: "2011/04/15 13:02" Zhang Beiqi
Since the withdrawal of Reductil (sibutramine) last October, the only legally prescribed weight-loss drug left in Taiwan is Xenical (orlistat). However, overseas studies have found that it may increase the risk of kidney disease. The pharmaceutical company responded by stating that Xenical has been on the market in Taiwan for over 10 years without any related adverse reports. They also emphasized that the overseas study did not confirm a causal relationship between kidney disease and Xenical. Doctors, however, warn that another drug with the same active ingredient, Alli (orlistat at a lower dose), is available without a prescription. Since many people who eat out already have insufficient vitamin intake, taking such fat-blocking drugs may further hinder the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
After the withdrawal of Reductil, Xenical became the mainstream weight-loss drug on the market. However, a recent Canadian study involving nearly 1,000 patients found that while only 0.5% had kidney disease before taking the drug, the proportion increased to 2% after one year of use, raising concerns about Xenical's potential harm to the kidneys.
Pharmaceutical company spokesperson Cai Chaozheng: "Since its launch in 2000, we have not received any adverse reports or follow-ups regarding kidney-related issues."
"Fat-blocking" is Xenical's primary weight-loss mechanism. Another legal drug with the same ingredient, Alli, also works by inhibiting fat absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. In 2009, global sales of Xenical reached approximately 9.5 billion, while Alli's sales were around 10.3 billion. Xenical has been sold in Taiwan for over 10 years, with annual sales of about 6,000 to 7,000 boxes, generating nearly 10 million in revenue. The Department of Health emphasized that it will continue to monitor the safety of weight-loss drugs.
Metabolism specialist Dr. Hong Jiande: "Patients taking these fat-blocking drugs may also be unable to absorb fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K."
Although there is no clear evidence yet that Xenical harms the kidneys, doctors warn that many people who eat out already lack sufficient vitamin intake. Relying on fat-blocking drugs may further impair the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Instead, it’s more practical to reduce consumption of fried foods.
Source: http://tw. news. yahoo. com/ article/ url/ d/ a/ 110415/ 8/ 2pvl2. html
Canadian Study: Weight Loss Drug Xenical May Harm Kidneys
Since the withdrawal of Reductil (sibutramine) last October, the only legally prescribed weight-loss drug left in Taiwan is Xenical (orlistat). However, overseas studies have found that it may increase the risk of kidney disease. The pharmaceutical company responded by stating that Xenical has been on the market in Taiwan for over 10 years without any related adverse reports. They also emphasized that the overseas study did not confirm a causal relationship between kidney disease and Xenical. Doctors, however, warn that another drug with the same active ingredient, Alli (orlistat at a lower dose), is available without a prescription. Since many people who eat out already have insufficient vitamin intake, taking such fat-blocking drugs may further hinder the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
After the withdrawal of Reductil, Xenical became the mainstream weight-loss drug on the market. However, a recent Canadian study involving nearly 1,000 patients found that while only 0.5% had kidney disease before taking the drug, the proportion increased to 2% after one year of use, raising concerns about Xenical's potential harm to the kidneys.
Pharmaceutical company spokesperson Cai Chaozheng: "Since its launch in 2000, we have not received any adverse reports or follow-ups regarding kidney-related issues."
"Fat-blocking" is Xenical's primary weight-loss mechanism. Another legal drug with the same ingredient, Alli, also works by inhibiting fat absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. In 2009, global sales of Xenical reached approximately 9.5 billion, while Alli's sales were around 10.3 billion. Xenical has been sold in Taiwan for over 10 years, with annual sales of about 6,000 to 7,000 boxes, generating nearly 10 million in revenue. The Department of Health emphasized that it will continue to monitor the safety of weight-loss drugs.
Metabolism specialist Dr. Hong Jiande: "Patients taking these fat-blocking drugs may also be unable to absorb fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K."
Although there is no clear evidence yet that Xenical harms the kidneys, doctors warn that many people who eat out already lack sufficient vitamin intake. Relying on fat-blocking drugs may further impair the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Instead, it’s more practical to reduce consumption of fried foods.
Source: http://tw. news. yahoo. com/ article/ url/ d/ a/ 110415/ 8/ 2pvl2. html