How to Choose: Orlistat vs Xenical Buying Guide
Orlistat vs Xenical: The Key Differences
When learning how to use orlistat tablets, the first decision is choosing between generic orlistat 120mg and branded Xenical 120mg. Both contain identical active ingredients at the same 120mg dose and work by blocking approximately one third of dietary fat absorption. The primary difference is cost - generic orlistat offers significant savings without compromising clinical effectiveness.
Orlistat 120mg costs £32.99 for 4 weeks (£29.69 with EDM10), whilst Xenical 120mg costs £42.99 for 4 weeks (£38.69 with EDM10). Over 12 weeks, choosing generic orlistat saves approximately £30 compared to branded Xenical.
How Both Products Work
Whether you choose orlistat or Xenical, both work identically in your digestive system. Each 120mg capsule inhibits lipase enzymes that break down dietary fat, preventing approximately one third of consumed fat from being absorbed. This unabsorbed fat passes naturally through your body, supporting weight management when combined with a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet.
Take one capsule three times daily with each main meal containing fat - 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. Both formulations require the same dietary approach: keep meals below 15g fat each to minimise gastrointestinal side effects.
Choosing Generic Orlistat 120mg
Generic orlistat delivers the same clinical benefits as Xenical at a lower cost. Our pricing starts from £16.89 for 2 weeks, reduced to £15.20 with code EDM10. For longer treatment periods, choose our 12-week supply at £95.99 (£86.39 with EDM10) - offering the best value for sustained weight management support.
Generic orlistat is manufactured to identical MHRA standards and contains the same 120mg orlistat per capsule. Many patients prefer the cost-effectiveness of generic medication whilst receiving identical clinical support.
Choosing Branded Xenical 120mg
Xenical 120mg, manufactured by Roche, contains the same active ingredient as generic orlistat but at a higher price point. Some patients prefer branded medication for personal reasons, despite the identical clinical effect. Xenical starts from £21.50 for 2 weeks (£19.35 with EDM10), with 12-week supplies at £128.99 (£116.09 with EDM10).
Both orlistat and Xenical require prescription following clinical assessment by our UK-licensed prescribers. Neither is superior clinically - the choice depends on your budget and preference between generic and branded medication.
Alternative: Alli 60mg
For those preferring lower-strength treatment, Alli 60mg offers half the dose of prescription-strength orlistat. Whilst clinically less potent than 120mg formulations, Alli may suit patients wanting a gentler starting point. Our Alli pricing begins at £28.99 for 4 weeks (£26.09 with EDM10).
Your Next Steps
Ready to start treatment? Complete our online clinical assessment where UK-licensed prescribers will review your suitability for orlistat 120mg, Xenical 120mg, or Alli 60mg. Following prescriber approval, we'll dispense and dispatch your chosen medication with next day delivery. Use code EDM10 for 10% off every order from our GPhC-registered Leicester pharmacy.
