Generic vs Branded: Making Your Choice
Clinical Equivalence: Same Effect, Different Price
Generic orlistat 120mg and branded Xenical 120mg are clinically equivalent medicines containing identical active ingredients at the same dose. Both work by inhibiting lipase enzymes in the gut to block approximately one third of dietary fat absorption. The therapeutic effect is identical – the primary difference lies in cost and manufacturer preference.
Cost Comparison: Significant Monthly Savings
Generic orlistat offers substantial savings over Xenical. A 4-week supply costs £29.69 (with EDM10) compared to Xenical at £38.69 – saving you £9 monthly. Over 12 weeks, you save £29.70 choosing generic orlistat (£86.39) versus Xenical (£116.09). Both require prescription following clinical assessment by UK-licensed prescribers.
Which Should You Choose?
Many patients choose generic orlistat for value without compromising clinical effectiveness. Others prefer branded Xenical from Roche. Both are dispensed by our GPhC-registered pharmacy following the same rigorous quality standards. Your prescriber can advise which option suits your individual needs during your online clinical assessment.
Alli 60mg: Lower-Strength Alternative
Alli 60mg offers half the dose of prescription-strength orlistat, blocking a smaller proportion of dietary fat. Priced from £26.09 (4-week supply with EDM10), it provides a lower-strength starting option for some patients, though it's clinically less potent than the 120mg prescription versions.
How to Order Both Options
Complete our online health questionnaire for clinical review by UK-licensed prescribers. Following assessment, your chosen treatment is dispensed by our Leicester-based GPhC-registered pharmacy. Next-day delivery available across the UK with discreet packaging. Treatment includes prescription – no separate GP appointment needed.
Treatment Support
Both orlistat and Xenical work best alongside a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet (approximately 15g fat per meal) and regular physical activity. Most gastrointestinal side effects reduce when dietary fat intake is kept low. A daily multivitamin taken at bedtime is recommended as orlistat may reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
