Which Should You Buy: Generic Orlistat or Branded Xenical?
Why Both Orlistat and Xenical Cause Oily Stools
Orlistat 120mg and Xenical 120mg cause oily stools because they contain the identical active ingredient - orlistat. This lipase inhibitor blocks approximately one third of dietary fat from being absorbed in your digestive system. The unabsorbed fat must exit your body naturally, resulting in oily or fatty stools, anal discharge, and increased bowel movement frequency. These gastrointestinal effects occur with both products because the mechanism of action is identical.
Orlistat vs Xenical: Clinical Effects Are Identical
Generic orlistat 120mg and branded Xenical 120mg deliver exactly the same clinical results. Both block the same proportion of dietary fat, both cause the same side effects including oily stools, and both support weight management when used alongside a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet. The active ingredient concentration, dosing schedule, and effectiveness are clinically equivalent.
Price Comparison: Orlistat Saves You Money
The main difference is cost. Generic orlistat costs £32.99 for 84 capsules (4-week supply), reduced to £29.69 with code EDM10. Branded Xenical costs £42.99 for the same 84 capsules, reduced to £38.69 with EDM10. You'll save £9 monthly choosing generic orlistat over Xenical. For 12-week supplies, orlistat costs £86.39 vs Xenical at £116.09 with EDM10 - saving £29.70.
Which Product Should You Choose?
Choose generic orlistat 120mg if you want maximum value whilst achieving identical clinical effects. The oily stool side effects, weight management support, and mechanism of action are the same as Xenical at a lower price. Choose Xenical 120mg if you prefer the branded option from Roche. Both require the same online clinical assessment and prescription from our UK-licensed prescribers.
Consider Alli 60mg as Lower-Strength Alternative
Alli 60mg offers half the strength of prescription orlistat, potentially causing milder oily stool effects whilst still blocking dietary fat absorption. At £26.09 for 4 weeks with EDM10, Alli bridges the gap between no treatment and full-strength prescription orlistat. However, the lower dose means reduced fat-blocking effectiveness compared to 120mg products.
Managing Oily Stool Side Effects
Keep dietary fat intake low - approximately 15g per meal - to minimise oily stools with both orlistat and Xenical. High-fat meals significantly increase gastrointestinal side effects regardless of which product you choose. The oily discharge, fatty stools, and anal leakage are signs the medication is working by preventing fat absorption.
Order Online Today with Next Day Delivery
Complete our online clinical assessment to access orlistat 120mg from £15.20 or Xenical from £19.35 with code EDM10. Our UK-licensed prescribers review your eligibility, and our GPhC-registered Leicester pharmacy dispenses your prescription with discreet next-day delivery. Both products are MHRA-regulated and sourced through licensed UK pharmaceutical suppliers.
