Alli and Xenical are pharmaceuticals that help you lose weight. Orlistat, the active ingredient in each medication, inhibits the action of an enzyme that breaks down dietary fat so you absorb fewer calories into your body from food and can lose weight. Although Alli and Xenical work in a similar way, there are differences in how you can obtain and pay for each product, the potency and potential results.
Drug Category and Cost
Alli is an over-the-counter nonprescription pharmaceutical that you can purchase at your local pharmacy. Xenical is a prescription pharmaceutical that requires your doctor's authorization. Your health insurance company or prescription benefit management plan may pay for all or part of the costs for Xenical, depending on the reason for the prescription, if the product is on the insurance company formulary and the co-pay details of your insurance plan. Consult your pharmacist and doctor about your health and the benefits and risks of each product.
Indication
Alli and Xenical differ in the FDA approved indication for use and year of approval. The FDA approved Alli in 2007 as an OTC weight-loss product to be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie and low-fat diet in overweight adults, 18 years and older. The FDA approved Xenical as a prescription pharmaceutical in 1999. According to its product label, Xenical is indicated for obesity management including weight loss when used in conjunction with a reduced calorie diet. Consult your doctor about how weight loss can reduce your risk of chronic diseases.
Dosage
Alli and Xenical differ in dosage. Alli comes in a capsule with 60 mg of orlistat that you can take orally with each meal containing fat. Xenical contains 120 mg of orlistat and is available in a capsule that you take orally three times per day with meals containing fat.
Results
Each pharmaceutical prevents a different amount of fat from getting absorbed into your body. Plus, the short-term and long-term effects on weight loss are different. Alli prevents absorption of 25 percent of fat from foods, which can enable you to have 5 to 10 percent weight loss over time. Xenical prevents absorption of 33 percent of fat from foods, which can result in 5 percent to more than 10 percent weight loss with weight loss starting in under two weeks and continuing long-term past one year. The amount of calories in your diet and level of physical activity may also affect your weight-loss results.
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