Challenges and barriers to start isotretinoin in acne patients

Abstract

Background The awareness of patients with acne about the side effects of isotretinoin is an important factor to reduce noncompliance with isotretinoin therapy, especially with long-term use. Aims The objective was to assess gender-specific awareness and concerns of isotretinoin among patients with acne. Methods A cross-sectional survey study was conducted among acne patients of both genders attending dermatology outpatient clinics at a tertiary care hospital. Results A total 356 acne patients were included in the current analysis. The average age was 23.6 +/- 5.8 years. More than half of the patients (57.6 percent) were females and the majority (79.5 percent) were single. The majority of the patients were aware of isotretinoin (79.1 percent) and its side effects (63.0 percent). The most frequently recognized side effect was dryness (55.1 per cent), followed by teratogenicity (28.5 percent), disturbance of lipid profile (9.3 percent), and finally constipation (7.0 percent). Compared to males, females were more likely to know and to be concerned about the teratogenic side effect of isotretinoin (p=0.022 and p<0.001, respectively). The most important source of information about isotretinoin was physician (61.9 percent), followed by patients (13.9 percent), friends (8.8 percent), and finally internet (8.1 percent). Conclusion The awareness of specific isotretinoin side effects among a group of young Saudi patients with acne was suboptimal. Females were more likely to be aware of and concerned about the teratogenic side effect isotretinoin. The majority of our patients prefer to receive isotretinoin information from trusted official sources. The findings highlight the dermatologist role in health education and counselling on acne and its treatments.