Accessing isotretinoin treatment in the UK

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Treatment requires clinical supervision

Isotretinoin is used for severe acne in particular clinical circumstances. Initiation requires a professional experienced in systemic retinoids. Ask your GP for assessment and referral, or consult a private dermatologist. The NHS medicine guide ↗ explains the treatment.

If you started abroad, provide prescriptions, the dose actually taken, treatment dates, investigation results and tolerability information. Arrange continuation in advance: bringing an overseas pack does not automatically secure another supply.

Check the current safeguards

From 22 January 2026, a second independent prescriber is no longer mandatory for patients under 18. Other safeguards remain. Use the current MHRA update ↗, since older 2023 announcements may describe the previous arrangements.

Discuss risks before signing the current documentation. Forms should support an explanation rather than replace it. The initial consultation is in person; the clinician decides an appropriate format for subsequent reviews.

Pregnancy prevention and monitoring

People who could become pregnant must follow the Pregnancy Prevention Programme. Agree its requirements, necessary tests and contraception before starting. Buying online is not a safe way around these safeguards.

Discuss mental health, sexual function, other medicines, investigations and how to report new symptoms. MHRA requires assessment and monitoring of these risks. Contact the prescribing team urgently about possible pregnancy or a serious adverse effect, and follow their instructions.

Arrange the whole course

Request a schedule for appointments, investigations and medicine supply. For private treatment, obtain an overall estimate: appointments, tests, prescriptions and the medicine may be charged separately.

Establish who responds between visits and what to do if your supply will run out during travel. Do not alter the dose independently or share tablets. The course needs a monitoring plan, not simply an initial prescription.