Which Should You Buy: Orlistat or Xenical?
Orlistat vs Xenical: The Key Facts
Both orlistat 120mg and Xenical 120mg contain exactly the same active ingredient at identical doses. Clinically, they work in precisely the same way - inhibiting lipase enzymes in your gut to block approximately one third of dietary fat from being absorbed. The unabsorbed fat passes naturally through your digestive system. The only meaningful difference is cost, with generic orlistat offering significant savings over branded Xenical.
Price Comparison: Orlistat vs Xenical
Generic orlistat 120mg costs £32.99 for a 4-week supply (84 capsules), reduced to £29.69 with code EDM10. Branded Xenical 120mg costs £42.99 for the same 4-week supply, reduced to £38.69 with EDM10. Over a typical 12-week treatment course, choosing generic orlistat saves approximately £30 compared to Xenical - both delivering identical clinical effects.
Alli 60mg: The Lower-Strength Alternative
Alli 60mg offers half the dose of prescription-strength orlistat. At £28.99 for a 4-week supply (£26.09 with EDM10), Alli provides a lower-strength starting option. However, the reduced dose means it blocks a smaller proportion of dietary fat compared to the 120mg prescription versions.
How Both Products Work
Whether you choose orlistat 120mg or Xenical 120mg, the mechanism is identical. Both work locally in your digestive system, not in your brain. They inhibit 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, passing through your body naturally. This may help reduce calorie intake from dietary fat when used alongside a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet.
Which Option Should You Choose?
For most patients, generic orlistat 120mg offers the best value while delivering identical clinical effects to Xenical. Some patients prefer branded Xenical, but the active ingredient and efficacy remain the same. Your choice often comes down to personal preference and budget. Both require the same online clinical assessment by UK-licensed prescribers and are dispensed by our GPhC-registered pharmacy in Leicester.
Getting Started: Online Prescription Process
Both orlistat and Xenical are prescription-only medicines requiring clinical assessment. Complete our online health questionnaire, which is reviewed by a qualified UK-licensed prescriber. If treatment is clinically appropriate, your prescription is issued and dispensed by our GPhC-registered pharmacy. Next-day delivery is available across the UK, with all orders eligible for 10% off using code EDM10.
