Combined ethinylestradiol 20mcg vs Desogestrel
National NHS prescribing compared (Prescription Cost Analysis)
Desogestrel was dispensed 8.5× as often as Combined ethinylestradiol 20mcg in May 2026 — 238,271 items versus 28,169 in England.
28,169items
Combined ethinylestradiol 20mcg · May 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
238,271items
Desogestrel · May 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
Figure 1. Combined ethinylestradiol 20mcg versus Desogestrel: national items dispensed by month
▬ Combined ethinylestradiol 20mcg · ╌ Desogestrel
Source: NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis, to May 2026
| Measure | Combined ethinylestradiol 20mcg | Desogestrel |
|---|---|---|
| Items, May 2026 | 28,169 | 238,271 |
| Items, last 12 months | 353,675 | 2,973,506 |
| Net ingredient cost, May 2026 | £496,373 | £1,091,876 |
See the full profile for Combined ethinylestradiol 20mcg or Desogestrel.