The Prevalence of using Prescribed & Unprescribed “Roaccutane (Isotretinoin)” among Females Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Cross Sectional Study

Aims: To determine the prevalence of using prescribed and unprescribed Isotretinoin and to assess knowledge of its adverse effects among females in Riyadh, SA.

Study design: cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: online questionnaire collected throughout two months by distributing the questionnaire via. social media platforms.

Methodology: We included 385 female patients (age range 15-45 years) use Roaccutane (Isotretinoin) with or without prescribed. Statistical analysis was performed using Rv 3.6.3. Counts and percentages was used to summarize the distribution of categorical variables and data. Chi-square test was used to estimate the association between categorical variables. Hypothesis testing was performed at a 5% level of significance.

Results: 568 respondents completed the questionnaire. Of these, 440 were from Riyadh. The majority of respondents were aged 15 – 20 (46.4%) and 21 – 25 (35.2%). Knowledge regarding some side effects of Roaccutane was significantly higher in respondents who reported using Roaccutane than those who did not. Knowledge of dry and cracked lips as a side effect was significantly higher in users (91.9%) than non-users (73.1%). Similarly, knowledge regarding dry eyes, depression, continuous thirst, nose dryness, bleeds, and effect of Roaccutane on liver biochemical profile, lipid profile, and bones was higher in users than non-users, regarding the teratogenic effect of Roaccutane was insignificantly different between groups.

Conclusion: Females in Riyadh are aware of the side effects of isotretinoin, particularly dryness of the skin, eyes, and lips. Yet there is insufficient knowledge regarding its teratogenic effect. Based on the reported results, a few participants obtained Roaccutane without a prescription from the doctor, and some obtained their information from unreliable sources (i.e., friends/relatives). Our results suggest good practice towards the prescription of isotretinoin.