Azelaic acid vs Isotretinoin
National NHS prescribing compared (Prescription Cost Analysis)
Azelaic acid was dispensed 2.9× as often as Isotretinoin in March 2026 — 18,292 items versus 6,270 in England.
18,292items
Azelaic acid · March 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
6,270items
Isotretinoin · March 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 March 2026
| Measure | Azelaic acid | Isotretinoin |
|---|---|---|
| Items, March 2026 | 18,292 | 6,270 |
| Items, last 12 months | 187,809 | 64,979 |
| Net ingredient cost, March 2026 | £131,691 | £469,910 |
See the full profile for Azelaic acid or Isotretinoin.