Which Orlistat Should You Buy - Generic or Xenical?
Orlistat vs Xenical: The Clinical Facts
Both generic orlistat 120mg and branded Xenical 120mg contain exactly the same active ingredient at identical doses. They work by the same mechanism - inhibiting lipase enzymes in your gut to block approximately one third of dietary fat from being absorbed. The unabsorbed fat passes naturally through your body, potentially supporting weight management alongside a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet and increased physical activity.
Clinically, there is no difference in effectiveness between generic orlistat and Xenical. Both require the same prescription process, have identical dosing (one capsule three times daily with main meals), and may cause the same side effects. The choice comes down to personal preference and budget.
Price Comparison: Orlistat vs Xenical
Generic orlistat offers significant savings compared to branded Xenical. With our EDM10 discount code (10% off every order), a 4-week supply of orlistat costs £29.69 compared to £38.69 for Xenical - saving you £9 per month. Over 12 weeks, orlistat costs £86.39 versus £116.09 for Xenical, a saving of nearly £30.
Our complete pricing with EDM10 discount: Orlistat 120mg - 2 weeks £15.20, 4 weeks £29.69, 8 weeks £57.59, 12 weeks £86.39. Xenical 120mg - 2 weeks £19.35, 4 weeks £38.69, 8 weeks £78.29, 12 weeks £116.09. Both include prescription and next day delivery.
What About Alli 60mg?
Alli contains orlistat at half the prescription strength (60mg instead of 120mg). This lower dose blocks a smaller proportion of dietary fat and typically causes milder side effects. Alli may be suitable if you prefer starting with a lower strength, though it's clinically less potent than prescription-strength orlistat or Xenical. Our Alli pricing with EDM10: 4 weeks £26.09, 8 weeks £49.49, 12 weeks £116.99.
How Do Orlistat Capsules Work?
Orlistat works locally in your digestive system by inhibiting lipase enzymes responsible for breaking down dietary fat. When these enzymes are blocked, approximately one third of the fat you eat cannot be digested or absorbed into your body. This unabsorbed fat passes through naturally, potentially reducing your calorie intake from dietary fat.
Orlistat is not an appetite suppressant or stimulant - it doesn't work on your brain. It only affects fat absorption, not carbohydrates, protein or alcohol calories. The medication works best when combined with a structured weight management programme including a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet (no more than 30% calories from fat) and regular physical activity.
Who Can Get Orlistat or Xenical?
Both orlistat 120mg and Xenical 120mg are prescription-only medicines available to adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI 28 or above with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Suitability is determined through individual clinical assessment by our UK-licensed prescribers who review your medical history, current medications and weight management goals.
Our online consultation process removes the need for a GP appointment. Complete our health questionnaire, receive prescriber review within hours, and if appropriate, your chosen treatment is dispensed by our GPhC-registered pharmacy and delivered next day in discreet packaging.
Managing Side Effects
Both orlistat and Xenical may cause gastrointestinal side effects including oily or fatty stools, increased bowel frequency, and oily discharge. These effects are more common when eating high-fat meals and can be minimised by keeping dietary fat low (approximately 15g per meal). Most patients find side effects reduce over time as their diet adapts.
Side effects are actually a sign the medication is working - they indicate fat is being blocked from absorption. Taking a daily multivitamin at bedtime (at least 2 hours after your last orlistat dose) helps maintain levels of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.
