Azelaic acid vs Isotretinoin
National NHS prescribing compared (Prescription Cost Analysis)
Azelaic acid was dispensed 3.2× as often as Isotretinoin in May 2026 — 17,723 items versus 5,565 in England.
17,723items
Azelaic acid · May 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
5,565items
Isotretinoin · May 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
Figure 1. Azelaic acid versus Isotretinoin: national items dispensed by month
▬ Azelaic acid · ╌ Isotretinoin
Source: NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis, to May 2026
| Measure | Azelaic acid | Isotretinoin |
|---|---|---|
| Items, May 2026 | 17,723 | 5,565 |
| Items, last 12 months | 193,489 | 65,758 |
| Net ingredient cost, May 2026 | £129,718 | £376,957 |
See the full profile for Azelaic acid or Isotretinoin.