Adapalene vs Isotretinoin
National NHS prescribing compared (Prescription Cost Analysis)
Adapalene was dispensed 2.1× as often as Isotretinoin in May 2026 — 11,507 items versus 5,565 in England.
11,507items
Adapalene · May 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
5,565items
Isotretinoin · May 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
Figure 1. Adapalene versus Isotretinoin: national items dispensed by month
▬ Adapalene · ╌ Isotretinoin
Source: NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis, to May 2026
| Measure | Adapalene | Isotretinoin |
|---|---|---|
| Items, May 2026 | 11,507 | 5,565 |
| Items, last 12 months | 144,749 | 65,758 |
| Net ingredient cost, May 2026 | £231,500 | £376,957 |
See the full profile for Adapalene or Isotretinoin.