Adverse Effects and Precautionary Measures for Isotretinoin Use in Patients with Acne Vulgaris: A Single-Center Study

Oral isotretinoin is an effective treatment for refractory and moderate acne unresponsive to conventional therapies, considered the most effective option for such cases.

This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, concerns, and experiences of acne patients undergoing isotretinoin treatment in Qassim, Saudi Arabia, with a focus on commonly reported adverse effects.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2023 to February 2024 using a self-administered questionnaire. This study targeted male and female acne vulgaris patients from the Qassim region attending the outpatient dermatology clinic at King Saud Hospital (KSH).

A total of 131 acne patients participated. Of these, 97.7% had heard of isotretinoin, and 92.4% were aware of its side effects. The most common sources of information were colleagues, friends, or family (37.4%), followed by previous use (26%) and healthcare professionals (24%). The most frequently reported side effect was dryness (51.9%), followed by liver function changes (24.4%) and fetal abnormalities (13%). There was a significant association between educational level and knowledge of isotretinoin's side effects (p = 0.003) and awareness of specific side effects (p < 0.001).

Most acne patients had sufficient knowledge of isotretinoin and its adverse effects, with dryness being the most commonly reported side effect. The primary sources of information were non-medical, highlighting the need for health education to ensure informed and safe isotretinoin use.