Complete ban on remote prescribing of botox recommended in new JCCP guidance

The Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) has released new guidance, which could put a complete stop to remote prescribing of prescription medicines used for cosmetic treatments, such as botox and topical anaesthetic.

The JCCP has led the charge on the campaign for licensing, meaning it’s guidance is likely to be followed if and when a mandatory licensing scheme is agreed upon.

The new guidance stated that the JCCP “does not endorse or permit the use of remote prescribing of injectable, topical or oral for non-surgical cosmetic treatments in any circumstances”.

This covers, “medicines that are used specifically for cosmetic purposes, such as botulinum toxins, injected local anaesthetic or topical adrenaline, and the emergency use of medicines such as hyaluronidase. 

The organisation issued the new guidance in light of the amendment contained within the Health and Care Act (2022) proposing a licencing scheme for aesthetic treatments such as injectables, and the recent ban on injectables for under-18s, both of which have put close scrutiny on prescribing practices in the industry. 

The JCCP guidance is in line with that of regulators such as the General Medical Council and the General Dental Council which have already banned members from remotely prescribing botox. 

The statement read: “The JCCP does not...endorse or permit the use of remote prescribing of injectable, topical or oral prescription medication for non-surgical cosmetic treatments in any circumstances.

"Examples of this include the off-label use of adrenaline when applied topically, to enhance pain control and limit bleeding. The JCCP reminds all prescribers of the need to carry out a physical examination of patients before prescribing injectable prescription only cosmetic medicines. The JCCP advises that prescribers should not therefore prescribe such medicines by telephone, video link, online or at the request of others for patients whom they have not examined personally."

Professor David Sines CBE, executive chair of the JCCP, said, “The JCCP recognises the important role that professional prescribers make to public protection and of the contribution that they make to the development and maintenance of a robust and effective patient safety culture in the aesthetic sector. 

Dr John Curran, chair of the Regulatory, Standards and Ethics Committee, British College of Aesthetic Medicine, said, “I am delighted to have been asked to contribute to, and welcome, this essential work on prescribing guidance by the JCCP. All prescribers have a clear ethical and professional responsibility to apply these standards, which have been shared with our professional regulators, and formulated primarily to safeguard those seeking aesthetic medical treatments”. 

Sharon Bennett, chair of the British Association of Cosmetic Nurses, added, “The BACN are delighted to support this detailed JCCP guidance document. It outlines the responsibilities required in prescribing lawfully, safely and competently in the medical aesthetic sector at a much-needed time”. 

The revised JCCP Statement on ‘Responsible Prescribing for Cosmetic Procedures’ can be viewed on the JCCP website.