Volume 27, Issue 137, July 2023

Evaluation and orientation of isotretinoin side effects among a sample of Saudi population

Fawwaz Freih Alshammrie¹, Bassam Fahad Algharbi², Omar Saad Alshammari², Wael Saleh Alanazi^3♦

¹Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia
²Medical Student, College of Medicine, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia
³Dermatology Resident, Dermatology Department, King Abdulaziz Medical City for National Guard, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

^♦Corresponding author
Dermatology Resident, Dermatology Department, King Abdulaziz Medical City for National Guard, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Acne vulgaris is a common dermatological disorder in Saudi Arabia (KSA). Severe acne can be treated more affordably with isotretinoin, but there are a number of adverse effects to be cautious of. This study aims to identify the most prevalent isotretinoin side effects among Saudi citizens and assess how well-informed Saudis are about the drug. Methods: A longitudinal cohort study will be conducted using a pre-validated and translated electronic questionnaire and direct questions will be asked to the patient by meeting them in person, contacting them via mobile or social media. Results: This study found that 26% of 3953 people used isotretinoin, with most prescriptions being done by doctors (91%). 61.2% of participants were suffering from dryness of the body, with 61.1% suffering from dry eyes and 72.4% suffering from dry lips. 37% were aware that isotretinoin can cause birth abnormalities, while 88% of respondents used contraceptive pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs) where used by 18% from the participant while in 32% participant both contraceptive pills and isolation. In 88% of respondents, isotretinoin may help prevent pregnancy, with 50% using contraceptive pills, 18% using intrauterine devices (IUDs), and 32% using both pills and isolation. Conclusions: The study found that while isotretinoin adverse effects are common throughout the world, Saudi Arabians may not be fully aware of all of the medication's possible drawbacks. An orientation programme is needed to inform the community on the potential negative effects.

Keywords: Isotretinoin, acne, Saudi population, a long-term cohort investigation, KSA

Medical Science, 2023, 27, e299ms3094

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi/v27i137/e299ms3094

Published: 18 July 2023