Which Should You Buy: Orlistat or Xenical?
Nausea Risk: Orlistat vs Xenical
Both generic orlistat 120mg and branded Xenical 120mg may cause nausea as they contain identical active ingredients at the same dose. Nausea affects up to 1 in 10 people taking either product. The likelihood of experiencing nausea is not different between orlistat and Xenical - your body responds to the active ingredient orlistat, not the brand name.
Price Comparison: Significant Savings with Generic
Generic orlistat offers substantial savings over branded Xenical. A 4-week supply (84 capsules) costs £29.69 with EDM10 for orlistat compared to £38.69 for Xenical - saving you £9 per month. Over 12 weeks, orlistat costs £86.39 versus Xenical's £116.09, saving £29.70. Both require the same online clinical assessment by our UK-licensed prescribers.
Clinical Effect: Identical Results
Orlistat and Xenical work identically, blocking approximately one third of dietary fat absorption through lipase enzyme inhibition. Both must be taken three times daily with main meals containing fat. The clinical effect, mechanism of action, and potential for weight management support are identical between generic and branded versions.
Minimising Nausea with Both Products
Whether you choose orlistat or Xenical, keeping meals low in fat (approximately 15g per meal) significantly reduces nausea risk. High-fat meals increase gastrointestinal side effects including nausea, oily stools, and abdominal discomfort. Following a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet not only minimises side effects but maximises the weight management potential of both products.
Alternative Option: Alli 60mg
For those concerned about side effects, Alli 60mg offers half the strength of prescription orlistat. At 60mg, Alli typically causes milder side effects including less frequent nausea, though it also provides a smaller reduction in fat absorption. Alli costs £26.09 for a 4-week supply with EDM10.
Our Recommendation
Choose generic orlistat 120mg for the best value without compromising clinical effect. The £9+ monthly savings make orlistat the practical choice for long-term weight management support. Both products undergo the same online clinical assessment process and are dispensed by our GPhC-registered pharmacy in Leicester.
