Orlistat vs Xenical: Which Should You Choose?
Generic Orlistat vs Branded Xenical: The Key Facts
When learning how to use orlistat properly, the first decision is choosing between generic orlistat 120mg and branded Xenical 120mg. Both contain exactly the same active ingredient at identical doses, so they work in precisely the same way. The only meaningful difference is cost - generic orlistat offers significant savings without compromising effectiveness.
Generic orlistat costs £32.99 for a 4-week supply (£29.69 with EDM10), whilst branded Xenical costs £42.99 (£38.69 with EDM10). Over a 12-week treatment course, choosing generic saves over £25 compared to Xenical.
How to Take Orlistat Properly: Dosing Guidelines
Regardless of whether you choose generic orlistat or Xenical, the dosing instructions are identical. Take one 120mg capsule three times daily with each main meal containing fat. Each capsule should be taken immediately before, during, or up to one hour after eating. If you miss a meal or eat a fat-free meal, you can skip that dose.
This dosing schedule means you'll use 21 capsules per week. Our pack sizes are designed accordingly: 42 capsules provide a 2-week supply, 84 capsules last 4 weeks, 168 capsules cover 8 weeks, and 252 capsules provide 12 weeks of treatment.
Maximising Effectiveness: Diet Guidelines
To use orlistat properly and minimise side effects, keep your fat intake to approximately 30% of daily calories, spread across three main meals. This typically means around 15g of fat per meal. Orlistat blocks approximately one third of dietary fat absorption - the less fat you eat, the fewer gastrointestinal side effects you'll experience.
High-fat meals significantly increase the likelihood of oily stools, urgent bowel movements, and other gut-related side effects. A reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet isn't just recommended - it's essential for orlistat to work effectively whilst keeping side effects manageable.
Alli 60mg: The Lower-Strength Alternative
If you're concerned about starting with prescription-strength orlistat, Alli 60mg offers a lower-dose alternative. At half the strength of prescription orlistat, Alli typically causes milder side effects whilst still supporting weight management. Alli costs £28.99 for a 4-week supply (£26.09 with EDM10).
However, Alli's lower dose means it blocks a smaller proportion of dietary fat compared to prescription-strength orlistat or Xenical. Your prescriber can advise whether 60mg or 120mg strength is more appropriate for your circumstances.
Our Online Prescription Service
Getting your orlistat or Xenical prescription couldn't be simpler. Complete our online clinical assessment, which takes just a few minutes. A UK-licensed prescriber reviews your information and, if treatment is appropriate, issues your prescription. We then dispense and dispatch your medication for next day delivery.
Our service is provided by a GPhC-registered pharmacy based in Leicester, with all medications sourced through licensed UK pharmaceutical supply chains. The prescription is included in the price - no separate GP visit required.
Pricing Comparison: All Options
Here's how our orlistat options compare. All prices include 10% discount with code EDM10:
Generic Orlistat 120mg: 4 weeks £29.69, 8 weeks £57.59, 12 weeks £86.39
Xenical 120mg: 4 weeks £38.69, 8 weeks £78.29, 12 weeks £116.09
Alli 60mg: 4 weeks £26.09, 8 weeks £49.49, 12 weeks £116.99
Ready to start your weight management journey? Complete your online assessment today and get 10% off with code EDM10.
