Living with a long-term skin condition often means trying several treatments before finding one that works. When a dermatologist finally prescribes something stronger, such as isotretinoin for acne or a biologic for eczema or psoriasis, it usually comes with new questions about safety checks, storage and how to keep the supply going.

This guide explains the main types of prescription dermatology medication used in the UK, the safety rules that apply to the most closely monitored medicines, and how dermatology prescriptions, including refrigerated biologics, are dispensed and delivered. Everything clinical here comes from official UK product information, MHRA guidance or Pharmazon HomeCare's pharmacist-reviewed dermatology pages.

Dermatology Medication UK at a Glance

Types of Dermatology Medication

Dermatology treatment is usually stepped up depending on how severe the condition is and how it responds. Your prescriber chooses the medicine, strength and form.

Topical Retinoids: Adapalene

Adapalene is a prescription-only topical retinoid. According to the product information for Differin 0.1% gel, it is used for mild to moderate acne where comedones, papules and pustules predominate on the face, chest or back.

• Apply once daily, before bed, after washing
• Avoid the eyes, mouth, corners of the nose and other sensitive areas
• Keep sun and UV exposure to a minimum
• Common side effects include dry skin, irritation, a burning sensation and redness
• It should not be used during pregnancy or by women planning a pregnancy

Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) for Severe Acne

Isotretinoin is an oral retinoid for severe forms of acne, such as nodular or conglobate acne, or acne at risk of permanent scarring, that has not responded to adequate courses of standard therapy. The product information states it must be prescribed by, or under the supervision of, physicians with expertise in systemic retinoids. In the UK this means a dermatologist.

Isotretinoin safety rules

• Pregnancy Prevention Programme: isotretinoin must not be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Patients who could become pregnant must use effective contraception from one month before until one month after treatment, with medically supervised pregnancy tests before, monthly during, and after treatment. Prescriptions for these patients are ideally limited to 30 days.
• Mental health: depression, anxiety, mood changes and, rarely, suicidal thoughts have been reported. The MHRA's January 2026 guidance requires prescribers to assess mental health and ask about sexual function before prescribing, and to monitor both at each follow-up. Tell friends and family you are taking it so they can notice changes.
• Blood tests: liver enzymes and blood fats are checked before treatment, one month after starting, and then every three months.
• Other precautions: avoid intense sun and use SPF 15 or higher; avoid waxing, dermabrasion and laser treatment during treatment and for six months afterwards; do not donate blood during treatment or for one month afterwards.

Common isotretinoin side effects

The product information lists these as very common (more than 1 in 10 people): dry, cracked lips; dry skin; dry or irritated eyes and conjunctivitis; joint, muscle and back pain; and changes in liver enzymes and blood fats on blood tests.

Biologics for Eczema and Psoriasis

Biologics are injectable medicines that target specific parts of the immune system. They are used for moderate to severe inflammatory skin conditions, usually when other treatments have not worked well enough.

Dupilumab (Dupixent)

According to the UK product information, dupilumab is licensed for:

• Moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) in people aged 12 and over who are candidates for systemic therapy
• Severe atopic dermatitis in children aged 6 months to 11 years
• Moderate to severe prurigo nodularis
• Chronic spontaneous urticaria not adequately controlled with antihistamines

It must be started by healthcare professionals experienced in these conditions. Eye problems such as conjunctivitis and keratitis were reported more often than with placebo in eczema studies, so report any new or worsening eye symptoms promptly. Other common side effects include injection site reactions, cold sores, joint pain and a raised eosinophil count. Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment.

Storing biologics

Many biologics need to be stored in a fridge at 2 to 8°C. Always follow the storage instructions in your medicine's Patient Information Leaflet, including any time it is allowed out of the fridge.

Methotrexate, Ciclosporin and Shared Care

Systemic immunosuppressants such as methotrexate and ciclosporin are used for severe eczema and psoriasis. They are usually started by a specialist and may then be continued by a GP under a shared care agreement, with regular monitoring. Read more about dermatology shared care support.

Private Dermatology Prescriptions

Dermatology medication can be prescribed on the NHS, including under shared care, or privately by a dermatologist or private clinic. Pharmazon HomeCare dispenses both NHS and private dermatology prescriptions. With a private prescription you pay for the medicine itself, and clinic fees are separate. See private dermatology prescriptions for more.

Dermatology Medication Delivery in the UK

Many patients choose dermatology medication delivery, particularly for long-term treatments and refrigerated biologics that need careful handling.

How Pharmazon HomeCare dispenses your dermatology prescription

1. Your prescriber issues a valid prescription, from your dermatologist, GP under shared care, or a private clinic.
2. The prescription reaches us. Clinics can send it to us directly.
3. A GPhC-registered pharmacist checks it, including any special requirements such as isotretinoin pregnancy prevention rules.
4. We pack it to its storage requirements, using validated cold-chain packaging at 2 to 8°C for refrigerated medicines.
5. Your medicine is delivered by tracked, signed-for delivery, with same-day delivery available in London and next-day delivery across the UK.

Questions to Ask About Your Dermatology Medication

• Which treatment is right for my condition, and how long will I need it?
• How do I use or apply it correctly?
• What side effects should I expect, and when should I get help?
• What blood tests or monitoring will I need?
• How should I store it, and can it be out of the fridge?
• Can my prescription be delivered to my home?
• How do repeat prescriptions work?