Orlistat vs Xenical: Which Should You Buy?
Same Medicine, Different Price
Orlistat 120mg and Xenical 120mg contain identical active ingredients at the same dose. Both work by blocking approximately one third of dietary fat absorption in the gut, which can lead to similar gastrointestinal side effects including loose stools, oily discharge, and increased bowel movement frequency. The clinical effects are identical - the main difference is cost. Generic orlistat costs £29.69 for 4 weeks with EDM10, while Xenical costs £38.69 for the same supply.
Understanding the Side Effects
Both orlistat and Xenical may cause gastrointestinal side effects, particularly when eating high-fat meals. Common effects include oily or fatty stools, urgent need to open bowels, and oily spotting. These effects occur because unabsorbed fat passes naturally through the digestive system. Keeping meals low in fat (approximately 15g per meal) significantly reduces these side effects for both products.
Cost Comparison: Orlistat vs Xenical
Generic orlistat offers substantial savings compared to branded Xenical. For a 4-week supply, you save £9 choosing orlistat over Xenical. Over 12 weeks, generic orlistat costs £86.39 with EDM10, while Xenical costs £116.09 - a saving of nearly £30. Both require the same clinical assessment and prescription process through our UK-licensed prescribers.
Alli 60mg: Lower-Strength Alternative
Alli 60mg contains half the orlistat dose of prescription-strength products. At £26.09 for 4 weeks with EDM10, it may cause milder side effects but blocks less dietary fat. Some patients prefer starting with Alli before considering prescription-strength options.
Which Should You Choose?
If budget is your priority, generic orlistat 120mg provides identical clinical effects to Xenical at a lower cost. Some patients prefer branded Xenical, while others choose generic orlistat for value. Both are dispensed by our GPhC-registered pharmacy following prescriber approval. Your UK-licensed prescriber will assess suitability for either option during your online consultation.
Order Process
Complete our online health questionnaire for clinical assessment by a UK-licensed prescriber. Following approval, choose between orlistat 120mg, Xenical 120mg, or Alli 60mg based on your preference and budget. Use code EDM10 for 10% off every order, with next day delivery available across the UK.
