Acne Vulgaris — SCE Dermatology MCQ

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EasyDermatopharmacologyAcne VulgarisSCE Dermatology

A 30-year-old woman with severe acne is on Isotretinoin 1 mg/kg/day. She is in the UK Pregnancy Prevention Programme. How many forms of contraception are required during treatment?

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Correct answer: A — Two forms of effective contraception (or abstinence)

The UK Pregnancy Prevention Programme for Isotretinoin mandates: pregnancy testing within 3 days before prescription (monthly), two forms of effective contraception (or complete abstinence from heterosexual intercourse) starting 1 month before treatment, continuing throughout treatment, and for 1 month after stopping. Prescriptions are limited to 30-day supply with monthly follow-up. Forms of contraception should include one highly effective method (hormonal/IUD) plus a barrier method. These measures reflect the severe teratogenic risk (retinoic acid embryopathy: craniofacial, cardiac, CNS malformations).

Reference: BAD 2023 Acne Guidelines; MHRA Isotretinoin pregnancy prevention