Azelaic acid vs Adapalene
National NHS prescribing compared (Prescription Cost Analysis)
Azelaic acid was dispensed 1.5× as often as Adapalene in March 2026 — 18,292 items versus 12,313 in England.
18,292items
Azelaic acid · March 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
12,313items
Adapalene · March 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 March 2026
| Measure | Azelaic acid | Adapalene |
|---|---|---|
| Items, March 2026 | 18,292 | 12,313 |
| Items, last 12 months | 187,809 | 144,863 |
| Net ingredient cost, March 2026 | £131,691 | £247,786 |
See the full profile for Azelaic acid or Adapalene.