Adapalene vs Isotretinoin
National NHS prescribing compared (Prescription Cost Analysis)
Adapalene was dispensed 6,156.5× as often as Isotretinoin in March 2026 — 12,313 items versus 2 in England.
12,313items
Adapalene · March 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
2items
Isotretinoin · March 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
Figure 1. Adapalene versus Isotretinoin: national items dispensed by month
▬ Adapalene · ╌ Isotretinoin
Source: NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis, to March 2026
| Measure | Adapalene | Isotretinoin |
|---|---|---|
| Items, March 2026 | 12,313 | 2 |
| Items, last 12 months | 144,863 | 10 |
| Net ingredient cost, March 2026 | £247,786 | £60 |
See the full profile for Adapalene or Isotretinoin.