Orlistat Price Guide: Comparing Costs Across Pharmacies

A Quick Look at Orlistat

Orlistat is a weight-loss medication classified as a lipase inhibitor. This means it inhibits the absorption of 20-30% of dietary fat, resulting in a large portion being excreted in the stool.

The standard prescription-strength dose is 120 mg of orlistat, taken three times daily with meals that contain fat. You may recognize it under the brand name Xenical®, which has been on the market since 1998. There’s also an over-the-counter version called Alli®, which comes in a lower 60 mg dose and is available without a prescription. 

Now that you know what orlistat does, let’s dig into the price you can expect to pay.

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Orlistat 120 mg Price: What Will You Actually Pay?

Pricing varies significantly depending on whether you choose the brand-name option, a generic, or an OTC option. 

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Brand-Name Xenical® 120 mg

Xenical® is the most expensive option. Without insurance, a 90-capsule supply (one month at three capsules per day) averages around $894. With a pharmacy discount card, this price drops to roughly $638. 

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Generic Orlistat 120 mg

Generic orlistat contains the same active ingredient and dosage as Xenical® but is priced lower. With that said, “lower” is relative here.

The average retail price for 90 capsules of generic orlistat 120 mg sits around $709 without insurance. With some coupons, you can bring that down to approximately $620 to $634, depending on the pharmacy. Some online pharmacies may further offer lower per-capsule pricing when purchasing larger quantities.

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OTC Alli® (60 mg)

If you’re looking for the most affordable entry point, Alli® is it. A 60-count starter pack typically costs about $50 at most retailers, and some pharmacy coupons can reduce the price to around $33. 

Larger refill packs (120 capsules) often range from $68 to $102, depending on where you shop. Keep in mind that Alli® is half the dose of prescription orlistat, so it blocks less dietary fat than a prescription option.

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A Quick Comparison Table

Note: Percentages are approximate and based on clinical studies; individual results may vary depending on diet and adherence.

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Where Can You Buy Orlistat?

Orlistat can be purchased at major pharmacy chains and online. Below, we take a closer look at what this means.

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Major Pharmacy Chains

At brick-and-mortar pharmacies, expect to pay toward the higher end of the price range. Here’s what generic orlistat 120 mg (90 capsules) looks like at a few major retailers:

• Walmart: ~$634
• CVS: ~$665
• Walgreens: ~$649
• Costco: ~$726. 

Note: These prices reflect coupon-assisted rates. Without a discount card, you could pay $100 or more above these numbers.

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Online Options

Online pharmacies tend to offer better deals, especially for bulk purchases. However, pricing varies across all retailers, but buying in bulk often lowers the per-capsule cost significantly. 

Some online pharmacies may offer lower prices, though it’s important to verify that any pharmacy you order from is properly licensed and accredited. If you’re considering the OTC route with Alli®, online retailers frequently offer larger refill packs at a lower per-capsule rate than what you’d find in store.

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What Impacts the Price of Orlistat?

The factors that influence orlistat price usually involve:

• Brand premium vs. generic manufacturing: Xenical® commands a higher price partly due to original research and development costs, stricter quality-control standards, and brand recognition. Generic manufacturers don’t carry those same overhead costs, which is reflected in their pricing.
• Insurance and Medicare coverage: Most insurance plans and Medicare classify orlistat as a weight-loss medication, so they don’t consider it a medical necessity. And this means coverage is rare. Some Medicaid programs do cover it depending on the state, and a few commercial plans may offer partial coverage, but don’t count on it. Always check with your provider to confirm. 
• Location and retailer markup: The same medication can vary by hundreds of dollars depending on which pharmacy you visit. As the pricing above shows, even within the same city, costs can vary significantly across chains. 
• Quantity purchased: Buying in larger quantities generally lowers the per-capsule cost. This is especially true with international online pharmacies and bulk OTC purchases of Alli®.

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Is Orlistat Worth the Cost?

Ultimately, any weight-loss medication should be part of a broader approach that includes regular physical activity, quality sleep, a balanced diet, stress management, and more.

In fact, clinical guidelines recommend combining orlistat with a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet and regular physical activity. Ultimately, its effectiveness depends on consistent use alongside dietary and lifestyle changes.

It’s also worth noting that orlistat is FDA-approved for weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. Consulting a licensed healthcare provider can help you determine whether orlistat is the right fit for your goals and budget.

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How Eden Can Help

Trying to figure out prescription weight-management options (and what they’ll actually cost) can feel like a lot. Eden simplifies the process by connecting you with a licensed healthcare provider via a secure online visit. You’ll answer a few health questions, then a provider will review your history and goals and discuss whether orlistat or another option is appropriate for you. If a prescription is written, it can be sent to a pharmacy so you can compare pricing and choose what works best for your budget.

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Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, orlistat pricing comes down to where you shop and which version you choose. Brand-name Xenical® will always cost more, but generic options and OTC alli® can make this medication far more accessible. 

Whatever route you choose, the most important step is to speak with a licensed healthcare provider to ensure orlistat aligns with your health goals and overall plan.