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Orlistat cost in the UK

Orlistat reaches you three ways in the UK, and each has a different cost: an NHS prescription, a private online order for 120mg capsules, or alli 60mg bought at a pharmacy counter.

By , Penzilla Editorial Team. Last reviewed 8 October 2026.

The three ways to get Orlistat

  1. NHS prescription. A GP prescribes 120mg capsules if your BMI is at least 30, or at least 28 with other risk factors. England charges the standard prescription fee per item. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland charge nothing.
  2. Private online pharmacy. You answer a consultation and pay for generic Orlistat or Xenical. Generic costs less for the same 120mg dose.
  3. Over the counter. Alli is a half strength 60mg capsule for adults with a BMI of at least 28. A pharmacist asks a few questions at the counter.

The pack size trap

Sellers quote 42, 84 or 168 capsules. One capsule with each of three meals uses 84 in four weeks. Divide every price by the capsule count before comparing.

Cost per day, worked through

Say a pack of 84 generic capsules costs £30. Each capsule costs 36p. Three a day comes to £1.07. Use your own pack price in the same sum.

Xenical or generic

Xenical is the original brand. Generic Orlistat 120mg holds the identical active ingredient and dose. Paying extra for the brand buys nothing clinical.

How Orlistat compares on cost

Orlistat is far cheaper than any pen. For scale, the cheapest first orders for the pens today are £44 for Wegovy 0.25mg and £90 for Mounjaro 2.5mg. Orlistat also works differently and produces smaller average weight loss. Orlistat side effects.

Add a multivitamin to the bill

The licence advises a daily multivitamin, because Orlistat reduces absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K.

When to stop paying

The licence sets a test: if you have lost under 5% of your starting weight after 12 weeks, stop.

Penzilla does not track Orlistat prices by pharmacy.

Questions people ask

How much is Orlistat on the NHS?

One standard prescription charge per item in England, unless you are exempt. Free elsewhere in the UK.

Is alli cheaper than Orlistat 120mg?

Per capsule, often. Per milligram, usually not, because alli is half the strength.

Do I need a prescription for Orlistat?

For 120mg, yes. For alli 60mg, no.

What does Orlistat cost per day?

Pack price divided by capsules, times the capsules you take. Three a day is the maximum.

Sources

  1. Cheplapharm, Xenical 120mg Summary of Product Characteristics (electronic medicines compendium)
  2. NHS, Obesity: treatment
Orlistat cost in the UK, Penzilla