MHRA Alert – Isotretinoin Prescribing Guidance Updates

Isotretinoin Prescribing Guidance Update

The Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) has endorsed changes to prescribing guidance for isotretinoin. This update reflects ongoing safety monitoring and aims to optimise clinical practice across dermatology services in the UK.

Key Points

• CHM has reviewed and endorsed updated prescribing guidance for isotretinoin
• The MHRA is conducting a survey of dermatology services that prescribe isotretinoin to gather current practice data
• Information gathered will inform any future regulatory or clinical guidance changes
• All prescribers should review the updated guidance to ensure compliance with current recommendations

Affected Medication

• Isotretinoin – used in the treatment of severe acne

Recommended Actions

Dermatology services and prescribers should:

• Review the updated prescribing guidance issued by the CHM
• Ensure prescribing practices align with current recommendations
• Respond to any MHRA survey requests to support evidence gathering for future guidance
• Communicate changes to relevant clinical teams

Further Information

For the full MHRA drug safety update, visit the MHRA website.