KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS LEVEL ABOUT THE SIDE EFFECTS OF ISOTRETINOIN AMONG SAUDI POPULATION

Authors

  • Mohammed AlRaddadi, Abdullah Ahmed Alhejaily, Raneem Abdullah Bamonaga, Eman Alrashed, Amnah H Alzarar, Ahmed Almulla, Rahil Yousef A Al Masad Eshtiag Faihan Alshaibani, Maryam Alsaedi, Ghadeer Abduladheem Al ibraheem, Khames T. Alzahrani Author

Abstract

Abstract
Background
: Isotretinoin is a drug used for the treatment of severe nodular acne that has failed to improve after receiving traditional dermatological therapies. It is classified to the retinoids class of prescribed medications. The effects of this medication might involve dry skin and mucous membranes, deteriorating lipid profile, psychological effect, and induce teratogenic effect. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine knowledge and awareness of the adverse effects of Isotretinoin (Roacutane) among Saudi population. Methods: This was a study with a cross-sectional design. The targeted population is Saudi population of males and females over the age of 18 who are using an Isotretinoin. Results: The sample size were 548 participants. Regarding the participants’ knowledge and awareness of side effect of Roaccutane, out of 172 participants who were on Roaccutane treatment, 66.2% were aware of Roaccutane side effects in pregnant women. However, 14.0% remained unaware of these risks. Additionally, 6.0% of participants became pregnant during treatment, indicating poor knowledge and awareness, yet only 11.6% communicated their pregnancy to healthcare providers. Additionally, we have found that participants being informed about Roaccutane side effects has statistically significant relation to gender (p value=0.0001), age (p value=0.021), nationality (p value=0.004) and if participants have had acne in the past (p value=0.0001). It also shows statistically insignificant relation to total family income and if participants have acne now. Conclusion: the study highlights a critical gap in knowledge and awareness regarding isotretinoin (Roaccutane) side effects among the Saudi population, particularly in relation to its teratogenic effects. Of the 548 participants surveyed, only 66.2% of those currently undergoing treatment (172) were aware of the risks it poses to pregnant women, with 14.0% remaining uninformed. Alarmingly, 6.0% of participants became pregnant during their treatment, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced education and communication regarding isotretinoin’s potential side effects. The data also reveal a significant communication deficit, as only 11.6% of those who became pregnant disclosed this information to healthcare providers. Moreover, sociodemographic factors such as gender (p=0.0001), age (p=0.021), and previous acne history (p=0.0001) showed a significant relationship with awareness levels.

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Published

2025-01-23

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Articles

How to Cite

KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS LEVEL ABOUT THE SIDE EFFECTS OF ISOTRETINOIN AMONG SAUDI POPULATION. (2025). CAHIERS MAGELLANES-NS, 873-887. https://magellanes.com/index.php/CMN/article/view/1261