Ibuprofen vs Diclofenac sodium
National NHS prescribing compared (Prescription Cost Analysis)
Ibuprofen was dispensed 115.6× as often as Diclofenac sodium in March 2026 — 331,436 items versus 2,868 in England.
331,436items
Ibuprofen · March 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
2,868items
Diclofenac sodium · March 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 March 2026
| Measure | Ibuprofen | Diclofenac sodium |
|---|---|---|
| Items, March 2026 | 331,436 | 2,868 |
| Items, last 12 months | 3,893,683 | 31,925 |
| Net ingredient cost, March 2026 | £1,427,391 | £31,614 |
See the full profile for Ibuprofen or Diclofenac sodium.