The Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) has endorsed changes to the prescribing
guidance of isotretinoin.
This comes after the Isotretinoin Expert Working Group (IEWG) and CHM published a report in 2023 recommending several changes to improve safety. Following the report, the Isotretinoin Implementation Advisory Expert Working Group (IIAEWG) was established to implement these changes and report to the CHM its suggestions
According to the Government website, follow-up consultations do not need to be conducted in person and can be held remotely where appropriate. However, the initial appointment should take place face-to-face. Medically supervised pregnancy testing may also be performed remotely, provided there is adequate oversight to ensure tests are performed correctly and safely. Additionally, patients should be asked about sexual function during follow up appointments, although by the third appointment this inquiry may be brief.
The CHM has also announced it will “monitor the adherence to risk minimisation measures going forward, whilst supporting patient access to treatment across all age groups”. To facilitate this, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has requested that both NHS and private providers prescribing isotretinoin for acne to complete a survey.
The MHRA stated on the Government website, “This data will be used to inform the CHM recommendations on the regulatory requirements of isotretinoin, whilst supporting patient access to treatment across all age groups. It will also provide baseline information to monitor adherence to risk minimisation measures, to ensure the continuation of safe prescribing.”