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Compare Alli vs. Saxenda

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

Key takeaways

Alli, Xenical (orlistat) and Saxenda (liraglutide) are both used to help with weight loss, but they work in different ways and are taken differently. Orlistat is an enzyme that blocks the absorption of fats from the foods you eat and is taken three times daily. It's available both over-the-counter (Alli) and by prescription (Xenical). On the other hand, Saxenda is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that makes you feel less hungry by slowing down your digestion. It's injected once daily under the skin and is only available with a prescription. Orlistat can cause side effects like oily stools and gas, while Saxenda can cause nausea and vomiting. Additionally, Saxenda has a risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially if taken with insulin, which orlistat does not have. Both medications work best when combined with a well-balanced diet and increase physical activity.

  • Orlistat
    Saxenda (liraglutide)
  • Orlistat
    Saxenda (liraglutide)

  • Summary of Alli vs. Saxenda

    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

    Saxenda (generic name liraglutide) is a once-daily injection given under the skin that's used for weight loss. It's approved for certain adults and children ages 12 years and up. And it works best when used along with a balanced diet and exercise. This prescription weight loss medication is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist. It works by slowing down your gut and making you feel less hungry. Saxenda (liraglutide) comes as a prefilled pen you use to inject your dose. Some common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

  • Indications of Alli vs. Saxenda

    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
    •Weight loss and long-term weight management in:
    •People ages 12 years and older with a body weight greater than 132 lbs and obesity
    •Adults who are considered overweight with at least one weight-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol)

  • Pros and Cons of Alli vs. Saxenda

    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
    •Can help you lose weight in addition to balanced nutrition and exercise
    •Can take with or without food, at any time during the day
    •Okay for children 12 years of age and older weighing more than 132 lbs with obesity
    Cons
    •Must inject once a day
    •Can cause stomach upset
    •Doesn't come with pen needles (must get them separately)

  • Common Side Effects of Alli vs. Saxenda

    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

    Adults:

    •Nausea (39%)
    •Diarrhea (21%)
    •Constipation (19%)
    •Vomiting (16%)
    •Injection site reaction (e.g., redness, itching, rash; 14%)
    •Headache (14%)
    •Low blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes (13%)
    •Indigestion (10%)

    Children 12 years and up:

    •Nausea (42%)
    •Vomiting (34%)
    •Diarrhea (22%)
    •Low blood sugar (15%)
    •Stomach inflammation (13%)
    •Dizziness (10%)

  • Warnings of Alli vs. Saxenda

    Common Side Effects for
    •Medication interactions
    •Liver injury
    •Higher oxalate levels in the urine
    •Gallstones
    •Other causes of obesity
    Common Side Effects for
    •Possible risk for thyroid cancer
    •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
    •Gallbladder problems
    •Low blood sugar
    •Faster heart rate
    •Severe stomach side effects
    •Kidney problems due to dehydration
    •Allergic reactions
    •Lung problems during anesthesia or deep sedation

  • Prices with our coupons for Alli vs. Saxenda

    Learn more about Orlistat
    Learn more about Saxenda

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