Isotretinoin updates to prescribing guidance and survey of services
Published: 27 October 2025
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published a drug safety update on isotretinoin. The Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) has endorsed changes to isotretinoin prescribing guidance of the Isotretinoin Implementation Advisory Expert Working Group (IIAEWG). An addendum to the IIAEWG report has been published to amend and clarify previous advice, regarding follow-up consultations, pregnancy testing and sexual function monitoring.
In addition, CHM is seeking further information from dermatology services who prescribe isotretinoin to inform any future changes to current risk minimisation measures. Both NHS and private services which prescribe isotretinoin for the treatment of acne will be asked to complete a baseline survey by 16 November 2025.
Further information, actions and the changes to isotretinoin prescribing advice can be found on the MHRA website.