Which Should You Choose: Orlistat or Xenical?
Orlistat vs Xenical: The Essential Comparison
When managing orlistat tiredness and choosing between orlistat and Xenical, understanding the key differences helps you make an informed decision. Both contain 120mg orlistat as the active ingredient and work identically by blocking approximately one third of dietary fat absorption. The primary difference lies in cost - generic orlistat offers significant savings whilst delivering the same clinical effect as branded Xenical.
Pricing Comparison: Orlistat vs Xenical
Generic orlistat 120mg costs £32.99 for 4 weeks (£29.69 with EDM10), whilst branded Xenical costs £42.99 for 4 weeks (£38.69 with EDM10). Over 12 weeks, orlistat costs £95.99 (£86.39 with EDM10) compared to Xenical at £128.99 (£116.09 with EDM10). This represents savings of approximately £30 per 12-week treatment period when choosing generic orlistat.
Managing Tiredness with Both Options
Some patients experience tiredness when taking orlistat or Xenical, particularly during initial treatment. This may relate to dietary changes, reduced calorie intake, or the body adjusting to the medication's effects on fat absorption. Both orlistat and Xenical may affect absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), so taking a daily multivitamin at bedtime is recommended. If tiredness persists, consult your prescriber about adjusting your diet or treatment plan.
Clinical Equivalence and Treatment Effects
Orlistat 120mg and Xenical 120mg are clinically equivalent - containing the same active ingredient at identical doses. Both inhibit lipase enzymes in the gut to prevent absorption of approximately one third of dietary fat. The unabsorbed fat passes naturally through the digestive system. Both require use alongside a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet to work effectively and minimise gastrointestinal side effects.
Alli 60mg: The Lower-Strength Alternative
For those seeking a gentler introduction, Alli 60mg contains half the dose of prescription-strength orlistat. Costing £28.99 for 4 weeks (£26.09 with EDM10), Alli provides a lower-strength option with typically milder side effects. However, it blocks a smaller proportion of dietary fat compared to prescription-strength orlistat or Xenical.
Online Prescription Process
Both orlistat and Xenical require prescription following online clinical assessment by UK-licensed prescribers. Complete our medical questionnaire covering your health history, current medications, and weight management goals. Subject to prescriber approval, your chosen treatment is dispensed by our GPhC-registered Leicester pharmacy and delivered discreetly with next-day delivery across the UK.
Which Option to Choose?
Choose generic orlistat 120mg for maximum value whilst receiving identical clinical effects to Xenical. Select Xenical if you prefer the branded option from Roche. Both are equally effective for weight management when used alongside dietary changes. Use code EDM10 for 10% off every order, making orlistat even more cost-effective for long-term weight management.
