Before starting Accutane, a patient must participate in which program?

• A. A risk management program
• B. Nutrition counseling
• C. Diabetes management
• D. Smoking cessation program

Answer: (A)

Isotretinoin is extremely teratogenic, so safety measures are essential before and during treatment. The required program is the FDA-mandated risk management program (iPLEDGE). Enrolling in this program ensures comprehensive pregnancy prevention and monitoring: a negative pregnancy test before starting, a firm commitment to using two forms of contraception (or abstinence) for those of childbearing potential, and monthly verification of pregnancy status with ongoing treatment approvals. This focus on preventing fetal exposure is why the risk management program is the correct choice. Other options don’t specifically address the birth defect risk tied to isotretinoin.