Survey of Australian isotretinoin prescribing

In Australia, dermatologists have been designated as the sole prescribers of isotretinoin and thus we are in a unique position to audit national usage of the drug. Questionnaires were sent by the Australasian College of Dermatologists to all 204 practising Fellows in Australia. The aim was to study the number and type of patients treated with isotretinoin, the manner in which the drug is prescribed, adverse reactions and the number of pregnancies occurring during and after treatment. Judging from the 85% of questionnaires which were returned, isotretinoin is an effective and well-tolerated drug for the treatment of severe nodulocystic acne. In the five years that isotretinoin has been used in Australia, 11 pregnancies while taking the drug were reported. These pregnancies occurred despite exhaustive counselling by dermatologists and the patients being fully aware of the risks to the fetus and the need for adequate contraceptive measures. With one exception, all agreed to have a therapeutic abortion. There were two reports of congenital abnormalities after cessation of treatment, neither of which were thought to be related to isotretinoin. In several regions where a dermatologist is not available, a specialist physician may prescribe isotretinoin according to State Health regulations.