iPLEDGE Allegiance

December 18th, 2005

This was the title of an editorial in the most recent edition of Cutis magazine. The author touched on many of the key features of the upcoming program that have been discussed in a prior post. Among the key features stressed were the fact that female patients of childbearing potential must enter into a system monthly lab results indicating a negative pregnancy test as well as listing two forms of contraception that are being used.

The author conveyed his concern that these new regulations, which to most dermatologists seem a bit extreme, may discourage physicians from prescribing this extremely valuable medication. He even sarcastically stated “I thought it might be easier for someone to construct a weapon of mass destruction than for a doctor to actually prescribe isotretinoin under the new iPLEDGE guidelines.”

We concur with the conclusion of the article that while the transition to the new program will take some work, it is important to remember the lives that have benefited and will continue to benefit from this important acne medication.

Entry Filed under: Acne Treatments, General Acne News