Which Should You Buy: Orlistat or Xenical?
Same Active Ingredient, Different Prices
Orlistat 120mg and Xenical 120mg contain identical active ingredients at the same dose. Both work by blocking approximately one third of dietary fat absorption when used alongside a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet. The primary difference is cost — generic orlistat offers significant savings without compromising clinical effectiveness.
Price Comparison: Your Savings
Generic orlistat 120mg costs £29.69 for 84 capsules (4-week supply) with code EDM10, whilst branded Xenical costs £38.69 for the same quantity. Over 12 weeks, you save £27 by choosing generic orlistat (£86.39) versus Xenical (£116.09). Both require the same online clinical assessment and are dispensed by our GPhC-registered pharmacy in Leicester.
Consider Alli 60mg as an Alternative
Alli 60mg provides half the strength of prescription orlistat, offering a lower-dose option. At £26.09 for a 4-week supply (with EDM10), Alli may suit those preferring to start with a milder treatment. However, prescription-strength orlistat 120mg or Xenical 120mg block more dietary fat and may provide greater weight management support.
How Both Products Work
Whether you choose orlistat or Xenical, the mechanism remains identical. Both inhibit lipase enzymes in your digestive system, preventing approximately one third of dietary fat from being absorbed. Unabsorbed fat passes naturally through your body. This process works best when combined with meals containing no more than 15g fat per meal.
Online Prescription Process
Both orlistat and Xenical require prescription following clinical assessment. Complete our online health questionnaire, and a UK-licensed prescriber will review your suitability. If appropriate, your prescription is dispensed immediately by our MHRA-regulated pharmacy. The process typically takes 24 hours from order to delivery.
Managing Side Effects
Both products may cause identical gastrointestinal side effects, including oily stools and increased bowel frequency. These effects are more common with high-fat meals and typically reduce as you adapt to a lower-fat diet. Keep dietary fat to approximately 30% of daily calories, spread across three main meals, to minimise side effects.
Which Option Should You Choose?
Choose generic orlistat 120mg if cost is your priority — you receive identical clinical benefits whilst saving £27 over 12 weeks. Choose Xenical 120mg if you prefer branded medication from Roche. Both options are available with our 10% discount using code EDM10 and qualify for next-day delivery across the UK.
