Mercaptopurine vs Hydroxycarbamide
National NHS prescribing compared (Prescription Cost Analysis)
Hydroxycarbamide was dispensed 1.9× as often as Mercaptopurine in March 2026 — 7,984 items versus 4,116 in England.
4,116items
Mercaptopurine · March 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
7,984items
Hydroxycarbamide · March 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
Figure 1. Mercaptopurine versus Hydroxycarbamide: national items dispensed by month
▬ Mercaptopurine · ╌ Hydroxycarbamide
Source: NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis, to March 2026
| Measure | Mercaptopurine | Hydroxycarbamide |
|---|---|---|
| Items, March 2026 | 4,116 | 7,984 |
| Items, last 12 months | 50,759 | 93,903 |
| Net ingredient cost, March 2026 | £111,292 | £102,840 |
See the full profile for Mercaptopurine or Hydroxycarbamide.