Making Your Choice: Price vs Brand Preference
Orlistat vs Xenical: The Key Difference is Price
Both Orlistat 120mg and Xenical 120mg contain exactly the same active ingredient at identical doses. Clinically, they work in the same way - blocking approximately one third of dietary fat from being absorbed in your gut. Whether you're taking orlistat on an empty stomach or with meals, both products deliver equivalent results when used alongside a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet.
The primary difference is cost. Generic Orlistat offers significant savings: a 12-week supply costs £86.39 with EDM10, compared to £116.09 for branded Xenical - saving you nearly £30 per treatment course.
How Both Products Work
Orlistat and Xenical work by inhibiting lipase enzymes in your digestive system. These enzymes normally break down dietary fat for absorption. When blocked, approximately one third of the fat you eat passes through your body naturally without being absorbed, reducing your calorie intake from dietary fat.
Taking orlistat on an empty stomach isn't recommended - both products should be taken immediately before, during, or up to one hour after each main meal containing fat. If you skip a meal or eat something fat-free, you can skip that dose.
Current Prices at EverydayMeds
Orlistat 120mg (Generic): 2-week supply £15.20, 4-week supply £29.69, 8-week supply £57.59, 12-week supply £86.39 (all with EDM10 code). Xenical 120mg (Branded): 2-week supply £19.35, 4-week supply £38.69, 8-week supply £78.29, 12-week supply £116.09 (all with EDM10 code).
For those preferring a lower-strength option, Alli 60mg offers half the dose at £26.09 for a 4-week supply with EDM10.
Which Should You Choose?
Your choice depends on personal preference and budget. Some patients prefer branded Xenical for reassurance, while others choose generic Orlistat for value. Both require prescription following online clinical assessment by our UK-licensed prescribers.
The online consultation process is straightforward: complete our medical questionnaire, have your information reviewed by a qualified prescriber, and receive your chosen treatment dispensed from our GPhC-registered pharmacy in Leicester with next-day delivery.
Both products may cause similar gastrointestinal side effects, particularly when eating high-fat meals. Keeping each meal to approximately 15g fat significantly reduces these effects while maximising the medication's benefit.
