What is the "do not dispense after" date on isotretinoin prescriptions for female patients of child-bearing age?

The "do not dispense after" date on isotretinoin prescriptions for female patients of child-bearing age is set at 7 days after the last negative pregnancy test. This is established to ensure patient safety, as isotretinoin is a powerful teratogenic drug that can cause severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy. The 7-day window allows sufficient time to ensure that the medication is dispensed while providing a safeguard against the risk of pregnancy.

This requirement is part of the iPLEDGE program, which was implemented to minimize the risks associated with isotretinoin use in women of reproductive potential. The program mandates that women must undergo monthly pregnancy testing and that prescriptions should be filled within a certain timeframe after these tests to ensure their ongoing negative status.