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Compare Orlistat vs. Ozempic

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Orlistat
    Ozempic (semaglutide)
  • Orlistat
    Ozempic (semaglutide)

  • Summary of Orlistat vs. Ozempic

    Summary for Lipase inhibitor

    Orlistat is a medication that works alongside diet and exercise to increase weight loss in people who are overweight or obese. It needs to be taken three times a day and is available with a prescription in a higher dose (Xenical) or over the counter in a lower dose (Alli).

    Summary for GLP-1 agonist
    Prescription only

    Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription injection that's used along with a nutritious diet and exercise to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults. It's also proven to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to heart problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Ozempic (semaglutide) belongs to the drug class known as GLP-1 agonists. The dosing is convenient because it's only injected under the skin once per week. Common side effects of this medication include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

  • Indications of Orlistat vs. Ozempic

    Indications for

    Xenical (orlistat):

    Obesty management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of:

    •30 kg/m^2^ or greater or
    •27 kg/m^2^ or greater and at least one weight-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol)

    Alli (orlistat):

    Weight loss in adults when combined with a lower-calorie and low-fat diet

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes
    •Lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to heart problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease

  • Pros and Cons of Orlistat vs. Ozempic

    Pros and Const for Lipase inhibitor
    Pros
    •Works well to block a portion of the fat you eat
    •Xenical is approved for people ages 12 years and older.
    •Available in both prescription and over-the-counter forms
    Cons
    •Still need to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine
    •Must remember to take with each fat-containing meal
    •Only available as a brand medication so it can be expensive
    Pros and Const for GLP-1 agonist
    Pros
    •Only given once per week
    •Available as prefilled pens for injection
    •Can switch injection days as long as the doses are separated by at least 2 days
    •Can store open and used pens at room temperature for up to 8 weeks
    Cons
    •Must be given as an injection under the skin
    •Commonly causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
    •Risk of low blood sugar if it's taken with certain other diabetes medications (e.g., sulfonylureas, insulins)
    •Can't be used for Type 1 diabetes

  • Common Side Effects of Orlistat vs. Ozempic

    Common Side Effects for

    Xenical (orlistat):

    •Oily spotting on underwear (4-27%)
    •Gas with anal discharge (2-24%)
    •Urge to have a bowel movement (3-22%)
    •Fatty or oily stool (6-20%)
    •Having more bowel movements (3-11%)
    •Difficulty controlling bowel movements (2-8%)

    Alli (orlistat):

    •Gas with oily spotting
    •Loose stools
    •More frequent stools that are hard to control
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (16-20%)
    •Diarrhea (9%)
    •Vomiting (5-9%)
    •Stomach pain (6-7%)
    •Constipation (3-5%)

  • Warnings of Orlistat vs. Ozempic

    Common Side Effects for
    •Medication interactions
    •Liver injury
    •Higher oxalate levels in the urine
    •Gallstones
    •Other causes of obesity
    Common Side Effects for
    •Thyroid cancer
    •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
    •Eye problems
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when taken with certain other diabetes medications
    •Dehydration and kidney problems
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Gallbladder problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Orlistat vs. Ozempic

    Learn more about Orlistat
    Learn more about Ozempic

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