Ibuprofen vs Diclofenac sodium
National NHS prescribing compared (Prescription Cost Analysis)
Ibuprofen was dispensed 116.7× as often as Diclofenac sodium in May 2026 — 319,724 items versus 2,740 in England.
319,724items
Ibuprofen · May 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
2,740items
Diclofenac sodium · May 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
Figure 1. Ibuprofen versus Diclofenac sodium: national items dispensed by month
▬ Ibuprofen · ╌ Diclofenac sodium
Source: NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis, to May 2026
| Measure | Ibuprofen | Diclofenac sodium |
|---|---|---|
| Items, May 2026 | 319,724 | 2,740 |
| Items, last 12 months | 3,894,488 | 32,336 |
| Net ingredient cost, May 2026 | £1,385,245 | £28,530 |
See the full profile for Ibuprofen or Diclofenac sodium.