Which Should You Choose: Orlistat or Xenical?
Orlistat vs Xenical: Identical Treatment, Different Prices
Both Orlistat 120mg and Xenical 120mg contain exactly the same active ingredient at the same dose. They work identically by blocking approximately one third of dietary fat absorption in your gut. The clinical effect is the same whether you choose generic Orlistat or branded Xenical - the key difference is cost.
Generic Orlistat offers significant savings: £32.99 for 4 weeks (£29.69 with EDM10) compared to Xenical at £42.99 (£38.69 with EDM10). Over 12 weeks, you save £33 by choosing Orlistat over Xenical, with identical clinical outcomes.
Treatment Options & Pricing
Orlistat 120mg (Generic):
2 weeks (42 capsules): £16.89 → £15.20 with EDM10
4 weeks (84 capsules): £32.99 → £29.69 with EDM10
8 weeks (168 capsules): £63.99 → £57.59 with EDM10
12 weeks (252 capsules): £95.99 → £86.39 with EDM10
Xenical 120mg (Branded):
2 weeks (42 capsules): £21.50 → £19.35 with EDM10
4 weeks (84 capsules): £42.99 → £38.69 with EDM10
8 weeks (168 capsules): £86.99 → £78.29 with EDM10
12 weeks (252 capsules): £128.99 → £116.09 with EDM10
Alli 60mg: Lower-Strength Alternative
For those preferring to start with lower-strength treatment, Alli 60mg contains half the dose of prescription orlistat. Available from £28.99 for 4 weeks (£26.09 with EDM10). Alli may be suitable if you're seeking a gentler introduction to orlistat treatment, though clinical effects are correspondingly reduced.
How Both Treatments Work
Whether you choose Orlistat or Xenical, the mechanism is identical. Both work by inhibiting lipase enzymes in your digestive system, preventing approximately one third of dietary fat from being absorbed. This unabsorbed fat passes naturally through your body, supporting weight management when used alongside a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet.
Who May Be Suitable
Both Orlistat and Xenical may be suitable for adults with BMI 30+ or BMI 28+ with weight-related health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Treatment requires clinical assessment by a UK-licensed prescriber who will determine suitability based on your individual circumstances.
Online Prescription Process
Complete our online health questionnaire for prescriber review. If treatment is appropriate, your prescription is dispensed by our GPhC-registered Leicester pharmacy with next day delivery across the UK. No separate GP appointment needed - prescription included in the price.
Managing Side Effects
Both treatments may cause gastrointestinal side effects, particularly when eating high-fat meals. Keep each meal to approximately 15g fat to minimise oily stools, urgency, and abdominal discomfort. Side effects typically reduce as your diet adapts, and they indicate the medication is working by blocking fat absorption.
