Mercaptopurine vs Methotrexate
National NHS prescribing compared (Prescription Cost Analysis)
Mercaptopurine was dispensed 1.2× as often as Methotrexate in March 2026 — 4,116 items versus 3,350 in England.
4,116items
Mercaptopurine · March 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
3,350items
Methotrexate · March 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
Figure 1. Mercaptopurine versus Methotrexate: national items dispensed by month
▬ Mercaptopurine · ╌ Methotrexate
Source: NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis, to March 2026
| Measure | Mercaptopurine | Methotrexate |
|---|---|---|
| Items, March 2026 | 4,116 | 3,350 |
| Items, last 12 months | 50,759 | 41,023 |
| Net ingredient cost, March 2026 | £111,292 | £219,960 |
See the full profile for Mercaptopurine or Methotrexate.