247dermatologist

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Everything you want to know, in one place.

Clear answers about consults, prescriptions, costs and medical quality.

Medication and prescriptions

How do I get a prescription?

If the dermatologist determines during the consult that medication is medically necessary, a prescription is issued.

How that works in practice:

  • The dermatologist makes a diagnosis based on your photos and medical questionnaire
  • If needed, the dermatologist issues a prescription (included in the consult price)
  • The prescription can be sent directly from the app to an (online) pharmacy, which can deliver the medication to your home. You can also choose to take the prescription to a pharmacy yourself
  • In the Netherlands, most medication is (partly) covered by health insurance, depending on your policy and deductible
Do you prescribe vitamin A acid?

Yes. Our dermatologists can prescribe vitamin A acid (tretinoin) when this is medically responsible.

Tretinoin is used for, among other things:

  • acne
  • clogged pores
  • pigmentation disorders
  • skin ageing

The dermatologist always assesses, based on your skin, complaints and medical history, whether this medication is suitable and safe for you. Medication is never prescribed automatically and always on medical grounds.

I want tretinoin/trifarotene for skin ageing. Is that possible?

Yes, that is possible. Tretinoin is regularly used for skin ageing, for example to improve:

  • fine lines
  • skin texture
  • pigmentation spots

This use often falls under off-label application. That means the medication is medically approved, but is used for this indication outside its official registration.

With off-label use:

  • the dermatologist always assesses whether this is appropriate and safe for you
  • periodic medical re-assessment may be needed
  • insurance coverage may differ

The dermatologist discusses this with you carefully and draws up a suitable treatment advice.

Do you prescribe isotretinoin?

No. Prescribing isotretinoin requires a physical consult. Isotretinoin is a powerful medication for severe acne and requires personal contact, appropriate counselling and monitoring (for example check-ups and lab tests where needed).

What we can do:

  • Assess whether isotretinoin may be a suitable treatment option
  • Advise on alternative treatments that are possible online
  • Support you with a targeted referral for a physical consult if indicated
I would like to repeat my prescription. How do I do that?

If your prescription includes repeats, you can arrange a new dispensing via the same pharmacy where you previously submitted the prescription.

Repeat prescriptions are indicated by 'iter' on the prescription, for example:

  • 1x iter = 1 repeat possible
  • 2x iter = 2 repeats possible

No repeat (iter) on your prescription? Then a new consult is usually needed, so a doctor can assess whether repeating is medically responsible.

Why is a new consult sometimes needed for a repeat?

With (long-term) use of medication, periodic assessment by a doctor is important. This applies especially to medication used off-label, or where the treatment policy can change over time.

That is why we may ask for a (short) new consult with a repeat request: it is meant to re-assess safety, effect and side effects, and fits within professional and legal standards of care.

How long does it take for the pharmacy to process my prescription?

After the dermatologist sends the prescription, it usually takes 1 to 3 working days for a pharmacy to process it. The exact turnaround time depends on the pharmacy and the availability of the prescribed medication.

The pharmacy is a separate link within the Dutch healthcare system. This process works the same as for prescriptions issued by GPs or dermatologists in a physical practice.

The speed at which medication is delivered can vary and depends, among other things, on:

  • How busy the pharmacy is
  • The urgency of the medication
  • Any checks or orders the pharmacy needs to carry out

With an online pharmacy, you usually receive a confirmation as soon as the prescription has been processed, including information about the expected delivery.

What if my pharmacy has questions about the prescription?

Pharmacies can contact the prescribing doctor or our support team with questions. In practice it helps to have the prescription number, patient name and date of issue ready for the pharmacy.

If needed, we can provide additional clarification so the pharmacy can process the prescription correctly.

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