Background: Oral Isotretinoin is the most effective choice in the treatment of severe acne, It is the most widely prescribed teratogenic drug in the USA and Canada. Due to large number of its adverse effects and the necessity of long term use, patients have difficulties in complying with the treatment and some may refuse taking the drug.
Objectives: To assess knowledge, concerns and awareness of acne patients in Qassim region, Saudi Arabia, about Isotretinoin, including the factors that may affect compliance.
Subjects and method: This non-interventional cross-sectional survey was conducted through distribution of questionnaires over two months period from 8th May to 23rd July 2009 in acne patients from the Qassim region. The returned questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS version 17.0. The P <0.05 was accepted as cut-off point for statistical significance.
Results: Three hundred fifty six acne patients were included in the study, 57.6% were female and 42.3% were male; 76.7% knew about Isotretinoin and its uses, the main source of information (for both genders) was the physician, followed by other acne patients. Sixty three percent of subjects knew about the adverse effects of the drug. Dryness and teratogenicity were the most well-known adverse effects and 85.9% didn't have any objection in using the drug. Adverse effects followed by duration of the treatment were the top concerned issues. Out of those who were using the drug, dryness of the lips and face were the most disturbing adverse effects.
Conclusion: A majority of acne patients have the knowledge about Isotretinoin and its adverse effects. This study highlighted the importance of health education for better acceptance of this drug. Patients should be instructed about proper moisturization methods while using this drug.
Keywords: Acne vulgaris; Adverse effects; Isotretinoin; Teratogenicity.