Orlistat vs Xenical: Making Your Treatment Choice
Who Should Not Take Orlistat or Xenical?
Both Orlistat 120mg and Xenical 120mg contain identical active ingredients, making their contraindications identical. You should not take either medication if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Under-18s cannot use these treatments, and those with chronic malabsorption syndrome or cholestasis must avoid orlistat completely. Your prescriber will assess your full medical history during clinical consultation.
Medical Conditions Requiring Caution
Certain conditions need careful prescriber evaluation before starting either treatment. If you take ciclosporin, anticoagulants like warfarin, or thyroid medication, your prescriber may need to adjust timing or monitoring. Those with kidney stone history should discuss increased oxalate stone risk. HIV medications and antiepileptic drugs may require additional monitoring when used alongside orlistat.
Price Comparison: Generic vs Branded
The primary difference between Orlistat and Xenical is cost, not clinical effect. Generic Orlistat 120mg costs £29.69 for 84 capsules (4-week supply) with EDM10, while branded Xenical costs £38.69 for the same quantity. Over 12 weeks, this saves approximately £27 by choosing generic Orlistat at £86.39 compared to Xenical at £116.09. Both block approximately one third of dietary fat absorption identically.
Alli 60mg: Lower-Strength Alternative
For those preferring a gentler starting approach, Alli 60mg offers half the prescription dose. While less potent than 120mg formulations, Alli costs £49.49 for 8 weeks with EDM10. Some patients experience fewer gastrointestinal side effects with the lower dose, though weight management support may be reduced compared to prescription-strength options.
Clinical Assessment Process
Both treatments require identical clinical assessment by our UK-licensed prescribers. The online consultation covers your BMI, medical history, current medications, and weight management goals. Prescribers evaluate contraindications and determine whether orlistat treatment aligns with your health circumstances. This regulated process ensures appropriate prescribing regardless of whether you choose generic or branded options.
Managing Side Effects
Gastrointestinal side effects occur identically with both Orlistat and Xenical since they contain the same active ingredient. Keeping dietary fat to approximately 15g per meal significantly reduces oily stools, anal leakage, and abdominal discomfort. These effects indicate the medication is working by preventing fat absorption, but can be minimised through dietary adherence.
Making Your Choice
Choose generic Orlistat 120mg for maximum cost savings without compromising clinical effectiveness. Select branded Xenical if you prefer established brand recognition, understanding you'll pay premium pricing for identical results. Both options include prescription consultation fees and next-day delivery from our GPhC-registered Leicester pharmacy. Apply code EDM10 for 10% discount on either treatment.
