Which Should You Choose: Orlistat or Xenical?
Orlistat vs Xenical: Clinical Equivalence
Orlistat 120mg and Xenical 120mg contain exactly the same active ingredient at identical doses. Both work by inhibiting lipase enzymes in your gut, blocking approximately one third of dietary fat from being absorbed. The unabsorbed fat passes naturally through your body, which is why both medications require the same careful dietary approach to minimise gastrointestinal side effects.
Price Comparison: Significant Savings with Generic
The main difference between these medications is cost. Generic Orlistat 120mg costs £29.69 for a 4-week supply (84 capsules) with code EDM10, whilst branded Xenical costs £38.69 for the same supply. Over 12 weeks, you'll save approximately £27 by choosing generic Orlistat (£86.39 vs £116.09). Both options include the prescription in the price — no separate GP appointment needed.
Essential Food Guidelines for Both Medications
Whether you choose Orlistat or Xenical, the dietary approach is identical. Keep each meal to approximately 15g fat or less — roughly 30% of daily calories from fat spread across three main meals. High-fat meals significantly increase the likelihood of oily stools, urgent bowel movements, and other gastrointestinal side effects. A reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet isn't just recommended — it's essential for the medication to work effectively whilst minimising side effects.
Alternative Option: Alli 60mg
For those preferring a lower-strength starting point, Alli 60mg offers half the dose of prescription-strength orlistat. At £26.09 for 4 weeks with EDM10, it provides a gentler introduction with typically milder side effects, though it blocks a smaller proportion of dietary fat compared to the 120mg prescription options.
Online Prescription Process
Both Orlistat and Xenical require clinical assessment by a UK-licensed prescriber. Complete our online health questionnaire covering your medical history, current medications, and BMI information. Following prescriber review and approval, your chosen medication is dispensed by our GPhC-registered pharmacy in Leicester and delivered discreetly to your address with next-day delivery available.
Making Your Decision
If cost is your primary concern, generic Orlistat 120mg delivers identical clinical effects at significant savings. Some patients prefer the familiarity of the Xenical brand, whilst others prioritise value with generic Orlistat. Both require the same commitment to a lower-fat diet and work through exactly the same mechanism. Your prescriber can discuss which option suits your individual circumstances during the clinical assessment process.
