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Isotretinoin pregnancy prevention — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardAdverse Drug Reactions and Drug SafetyIsotretinoin pregnancy preventionGPhC CRA

A 25-year-old woman taking isotretinoin for acne asks for emergency contraception after unprotected sex 2 days ago. She is enrolled in pregnancy prevention but missed pills during a vomiting illness. She has a negative pregnancy test from 3 weeks ago. What is the most appropriate action?

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Correct answer: C — refer urgently for emergency contraception advice and inform the isotretinoin prescriber pathway

Isotretinoin is highly teratogenic and pregnancy prevention failures require urgent action. Emergency contraception should be arranged promptly, and the isotretinoin prescriber or specialist pathway should be informed according to local procedures. A pregnancy test from 3 weeks ago does not exclude pregnancy risk from recent unprotected sex. Vitamin A supplementation is inappropriate and may increase toxicity risk.

Reference: BNF; MHRA drug safety update