Here is what you need to do each month in order to pick up your Accutane prescription:
To provide you with the highest quality and safest medical care, we are committed to the iPLEDGE guidelines.
First Step
Get your monthly blood work done within the 3 days prior to your office visit. Please contact us so that we can place the order with Quest Diagnostics. You can then make an appointment at one of their Patient Service Centers.
Female patients: a blood pregnancy test is done with your labs. Please be aware: you have a seven day window from the date of your pregnancy test to pick up your prescription. If you do not pick up your prescription within this window, you will need to complete a new pregnancy test.
Second Step
Come to your monthly office visit. The best practice is to schedule them in advance and make plans accordingly so your treatment is not interrupted.
Last Step
Get confirmed online in the iPLEDGE website. This will happen once the first two steps are complete.
Male patients: We will confirm you in iPLEDGE after your blood work is done and you have come into the office for your monthly visit.
Female patients: We will confirm you in iPLEDGE after your blood work is done and you have come into the office for your monthly visit. After we have confirmed you in iPLEDGE, you can login to iPLEDGE and take your quiz.
Once steps 1, 2, and 3 are complete you may pick up your prescription at the pharmacy.
Please be aware that these steps are all required by the FDA-run iPLEDGE program. We realize the iPLEDGE program can feel overwhelming and complex. We’re here to help you! The steps are in place for your safety. Not all healthcare providers can prescribe Accutane, as it is a highly regulated medication. All licensed Accutane prescribers must follow these rules in order to maintain their status as Accutane prescribers.
Isotretinoin is a medication that was approved by the FDA in 1982 for the treatment of severe acne. It is also often used for acne that is not improving with other medications. Most patients are on isotretinoin for approximately six months. Following these guidelines will help ensure your course runs smoothly.
iPLEDGE Handbook
The day you enroll in iPLEDGE, you will sign a consent form in a booklet with isotretinoin information and side effects. Do not throw this book away. It contains your iPLEDGE registration number and iPLEDGE identification card that must be presented to the pharmacy each month when you fill your prescription.
Insurance Coverage
Your insurance plan may require a prior authorization for your prescription. Once your prescription arrives at the pharmacy, if your insurance requires a prior authorization, your pharmacy will fax us additional paperwork. It may take several days for your insurance company to approve the medication.
Talk to Your Nurse Practitioner
You and your nurse practitioner will review the most common side effects of isotretinoin. Detailed information about all side effects are found in your iPLEDGE booklet. Read the booklet thoroughly. If you experience a side effect that you would like to speak with your nurse practitioner about, send a message via our Patient Portal. If you or your child is experiencing mood-related changes, stop the medication and alert us immediately or dial 911 if necessary.
Remember to schedule your anti-acne facial treatment and light therapy per your discussion with your nurse practitioner. Adherence to the long term plan is the best way to ensure your acne stays controlled.
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