Choosing to take a weight loss medication is a serious decision. When an over-the counter version of Xenical (orlistat) became available for dieters as Alli (orlistat), access to the drug became easier. But just because the drug is easier to get doesn’t mean that you should necessarily take it.
Find out more about this diet medication before you make a decision about which weight loss treatment is right for you. Also, be sure to talk to your health care provider as new medications for weight loss, Belviq and Qsymia have recently become available.
What is Xenical?
Xenical is the prescription dose (120 mg) of orlistat. This type of medication is called a lipase inhibitor because it helps your body to absorb less fat from the food that you eat. The undigested fat is removed from the body in your stool.
Xenical is designed to be used along with a low-fat, low-calorie diet. The higher, prescription dose of the drug is often used for patients who have weight-related illnesses like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease. Xenical can also be used for people who lost weight and want to prevent weight regain.
What the Difference Between Alli and Xenical?
You’ll see boxes of Alli displayed in pharmacies, drug stores and other locations. Alli is a lower dose (60 mg) of the same medication, orlistat, that is in Xenical. Alli works the same way that Xenical works by blocking the absorption of fat. Alli is also meant to be used in partnership with a low-calorie, low-fat diet.
What Are Side Effects of Taking Orlistat?
For most people, the most noticeable side effect of Xenical or Alli is the change in their stool and bowel habits. Because fat is removed through the stool, bowel movements can become loose and oily. If you eat too much fat while taking the medication, the side effects can become more severe and can interfere with typical daily activities.
Because fat content is important, dieters taking the medication need to be especially careful about dividing their fat and calorie intake evenly throughout the day. No single food that you eat should contain more than 30% of the total calories from fat. In addition, since food and nutrient absorption is affected by this medication, the FDA recommends that users take a multivitamin while on the diet drug.
Other side effects may include hives, itching or stomach pain. Talk to your doctor about your medical history to determine which side effects may impact you.
How Much Does Orlistat Cost?
A starter pack of Alli, that contains 60 pills costs about $40 at your local drug store. If you compare prices you may also find 120-pill bottles for slightly more. A 30-pill prescription of Xenical may cost significantly more, ranging from $150-160. Patients are usually directed to take one pill with each main meal to help them lose weight.
In some cases, insurance providers may pay for a weight loss medication if your weight is the cause of a related illness. But all policies vary, so be sure to check with your own insurance carrier to find out if the drug is covered for you.
Should I Take Alli or Xenical?
Orlistat has been shown to be effective at helping some people lose weight and keep it off. But significant lifestyle modifications must be made, or the consequences can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Think about the changes you are willing to make before talking to your health care provider. Then discuss further potential side effects and medical considerations with your doctor before making a final decision.
Sources:
Medline Plus. Orlistat. National Institutes of Health. Accessed: February 19, 2013. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a601244.html
Kopelman P, Groot Gde H, Rissanen A, Rossner S, Toubro S, Palmer R, Hallam R, Bryson A, Hickling RI."Weight loss, HbA1c reduction, and tolerability of cetilistat in a randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial in obese diabetics: comparison with orlistat (Xenical)" Obesity January 2010 .
Torgerson JS, Hauptman J, Boldrin MN, Sjöström L. "XENical in the prevention of diabetes in obese subjects (XENDOS) study: a randomized study of orlistat as an adjunct to lifestyle changes for the prevention of type 2 diabetes in obese patients." Diabetes Care March 2004 .
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