Choose Your Orlistat Pack Size - Managing Side Effects
Why Does Orlistat Cause Diarrhoea?
Orlistat works by blocking approximately one third of dietary fat absorption in your gut. When this unabsorbed fat passes through your digestive system, it can cause loose, oily stools and increased bowel frequency. These gastrointestinal effects are actually a sign the medication is working - they indicate fat that would normally contribute calories is being eliminated from your body.
Choosing Your First Pack Size
Many patients start with our 2-week supply (42 capsules, £16.89 or £15.20 with EDM10) to assess tolerance before committing to longer treatment. This allows you to understand how orlistat affects you personally while following a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet. If you experience manageable side effects, our 4-week pack (84 capsules, £32.99 or £29.69 with EDM10) offers better value for continued treatment.
Longer Supply Options for Established Users
Patients who tolerate orlistat well often choose our 8-week supply (168 capsules, £63.99 or £57.59 with EDM10) or 12-week supply (252 capsules, £95.99 or £86.39 with EDM10). The 12-week pack provides maximum savings and convenience for ongoing weight management programmes. All packs qualify for our EDM10 discount code, giving 10% off every order.
Generic Orlistat vs Branded Xenical Options
We stock both generic orlistat 120mg and branded Xenical 120mg - both contain identical active ingredients and cause the same side effects. Generic orlistat offers significant savings: a 4-week supply costs £29.69 with EDM10 versus £38.69 for Xenical. The clinical effects are equivalent, so choosing generic can reduce your monthly treatment costs by approximately £9.
Managing Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Diarrhoea and oily discharge occur more frequently when eating high-fat meals. Keep fat intake to approximately 15g per meal (30% of daily calories from fat) to minimise these effects. Most patients find side effects reduce over time as they adapt to a lower-fat diet. Wearing dark underwear or using panty liners may help during initial treatment weeks.
Online Prescription Process
Complete our online health questionnaire for review by UK-licensed prescribers. Following clinical assessment, appropriate prescriptions are dispensed by our GPhC-registered Leicester pharmacy. Treatment includes next-day delivery across the UK with discreet packaging. No separate GP appointment needed - the prescription is included in your pack price.
