Which Should You Buy: Orlistat or Xenical?
Orlistat vs Xenical: The Facts
Orlistat 120mg and Xenical 120mg are clinically identical treatments containing the same active ingredient at the same dose. Both work by blocking approximately one third of dietary fat absorption through lipase enzyme inhibition in the digestive system. The main difference is cost - generic Orlistat offers significant savings whilst delivering the same clinical effect as branded Xenical.
Price Comparison: Clear Savings with Orlistat
Generic Orlistat 120mg costs from £15.20 for a 2-week supply (£16.89 before EDM10 discount), whilst branded Xenical 120mg costs £19.35 for the same period (£21.50 before discount). Over a 12-week course, you could save over £29 choosing Orlistat at £86.39 versus Xenical at £116.09 with our EDM10 code. Both options require the same online clinical assessment and prescription approval process.
Can You Take Either on an Empty Stomach?
Both Orlistat and Xenical can technically be taken on an empty stomach without safety concerns, but this reduces their effectiveness significantly. Both medications work by blocking fat absorption from meals - without dietary fat present, there's minimal benefit. Take one capsule with each fat-containing main meal, or up to one hour after eating. If you skip a meal or eat a fat-free meal, you can skip that dose.
Consider Alli 60mg as an Alternative
Alli 60mg offers half the dose of prescription-strength orlistat and may be suitable for those preferring a lower-strength starting option. Available from £26.09 for a 4-week supply with EDM10, Alli blocks a smaller proportion of dietary fat with typically milder gastrointestinal effects. However, the clinical effect is correspondingly lower than prescription-strength options.
Making Your Decision: Value vs Brand Preference
Choose generic Orlistat 120mg if you prioritise cost-effectiveness whilst maintaining full clinical benefit. The active ingredient orlistat works identically regardless of manufacturer, inhibiting lipase enzymes to prevent approximately one third of dietary fat absorption. Choose Xenical 120mg if you prefer the original branded version from Roche, accepting the higher cost for brand recognition. Both require prescription following clinical assessment by our UK-licensed prescribers.
Order Process: Same for Both Options
Complete our online health questionnaire covering medical history, current medications, and weight management goals. Our qualified UK prescribers review each application individually, issuing prescriptions where clinically appropriate. Both Orlistat and Xenical are dispensed by our GPhC-registered pharmacy in Leicester with next-day tracked delivery available across the UK. Use code EDM10 for 10% off every order.
