Orlistat vs Xenical: Which Should You Buy?
Same Medicine, Different Price: Orlistat vs Xenical
When choosing between orlistat 120mg and Xenical 120mg, you're comparing two identical medicines. Both contain exactly the same active ingredient - orlistat - at the same 120mg dose. The clinical effect is identical: both block approximately one third of dietary fat absorption when taken three times daily with meals.
The key difference is cost. Generic orlistat 120mg costs £29.69 for 4 weeks with code EDM10, whilst branded Xenical costs £38.69 - a saving of £9 monthly. Over 12 weeks, choosing generic orlistat saves £29.70 compared to Xenical.
When Do You Take Orlistat? Dosing for Both Options
Whether you choose generic orlistat or Xenical, the dosing schedule is identical. Take one 120mg capsule three times daily with each main meal containing fat. You can take each capsule immediately before, during, or up to one hour after eating. If you skip a meal or eat a fat-free meal, you can skip that dose.
This means 84 capsules provides approximately 4 weeks of treatment, whilst 168 capsules lasts 8 weeks. Both options require the same commitment to a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet to work effectively.
Orlistat Pricing Options at EverydayMeds
Our generic orlistat 120mg offers excellent value: 2 weeks costs £15.20 with EDM10, 4 weeks £29.69, 8 weeks £57.59, and 12 weeks £86.39. For comparison, Xenical costs £19.35 for 2 weeks, £38.69 for 4 weeks, £78.29 for 8 weeks, and £116.09 for 12 weeks with code EDM10.
For those preferring a lower-strength option, Alli 60mg costs £26.09 for 4 weeks with EDM10. This half-dose version may cause milder side effects but blocks a smaller proportion of dietary fat.
Which Option Should You Choose?
Choose generic orlistat 120mg if you want the most cost-effective option with identical clinical benefits. The medicine works exactly the same way as Xenical, blocking approximately one third of dietary fat when taken with meals. You'll save £9 monthly compared to the branded version.
Choose Xenical 120mg if you prefer the original branded version from Roche. Some patients prefer branded medicines, though the clinical effect remains identical to generic orlistat. Both require prescription following clinical assessment.
Choose Alli 60mg if you want to start with a lower dose. At half the strength of prescription orlistat, it typically causes milder gastrointestinal side effects but provides less fat-blocking effect.
Getting Your Prescription Online
Following online clinical assessment by UK-licensed prescribers, both orlistat and Xenical can be prescribed where clinically appropriate. Adults with BMI 30+ or BMI 28+ with weight-related health conditions may be suitable, subject to individual assessment. Complete your consultation today - prescription included in the price with next day delivery from our GPhC-registered Leicester pharmacy.
