Azelaic acid vs Adapalene
National NHS prescribing compared (Prescription Cost Analysis)
Azelaic acid was dispensed 1.5× as often as Adapalene in May 2026 — 17,723 items versus 11,507 in England.
17,723items
Azelaic acid · May 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
11,507items
Adapalene · May 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
Figure 1. Azelaic acid versus Adapalene: national items dispensed by month
▬ Azelaic acid · ╌ Adapalene
Source: NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis, to May 2026
| Measure | Azelaic acid | Adapalene |
|---|---|---|
| Items, May 2026 | 17,723 | 11,507 |
| Items, last 12 months | 193,489 | 144,749 |
| Net ingredient cost, May 2026 | £129,718 | £231,500 |
See the full profile for Azelaic acid or Adapalene.