Dermatologists’ Attitudes, Prescription, and Counseling Patterns for Isotretinoin: A Questionnaire-based Study

February 2015 | Volume 14 | Issue 2 | Original Article | 184 | Copyright © February 2015


Arielle R. Nagler MD1 and Seth J. Orlow MD PhD1

1The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY

Abstract
Isotretinoin, the most effective therapy for severe acne, has engendered controversy. These controversies impact dermatologists’ opinions of isotretinoin and prescription behaviors. This study was designed to characterize dermatologists’ opinions of controversies surrounding isotretinoin, as well as counseling and prescribing practices. A 25-question survey was emailed to 7,013 dermatologists included in a proprietary database (MBD, Inc.) and anonymous responses were collected. 591 board-certified dermatologists participated. Thirty-seven percent of the responding dermatologists believe that isotretinoin may cause psychiatric disturbances. Dermatologists’ opinions on this relationship did not significantly impact prescription practices in patients with history of depression (P=0.056) or in patients being treated with an antidepressant (P=0.118). A larger percentage of dermatologists surveyed believe there is a causal relationship between isotretinoin and psychiatric disturbances than isotretinoin and IBD. Of the surveyed dermatologists, 2.7% believe there is a causal association between isotretinoin and inflammatory bowel disease IBD. In addition, physicians with 20 or fewer years of experience, which included 50% of the responding dermatologists, were significantly less likely to have read the patient brochure (P=0.004), and more likely to prescribe isotretinoin to patients who had not failed systemic antibiotics (P =0.015). This questionnaire also may highlight a practice gap, as more recently trained dermatologists appear less likely to require failure of systemic antibiotics prior to initiating isotretinoin.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2015;14(2):184-189.

INTRODUCTION

Since its approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1982, isotretinoin has been the most effective therapy for severe acne. Isotretinoin inhibits sebaceous gland function, decreases keratinization, reduces Propionibacterium acnes burden, and suppresses the inflammatory response.1,2 Isotretinoin is thought to be a reasonably safe medication with few common long-term adverse effects.1 The most common adverse reactions include cheilitis, hypertriglyceridemia, and musculoskeletal pain.3 Despite its efficacy in treating and inducing prolonged remissions in acne, isotretinoin’s use is limited by a number of proven and potential adverse reactions or warnings. These include the known teratogenicity of isotretinoin, the iPLEDGE registration program, as well as isotretinoin’s association with psychiatric disturbances and IBD.
Isotretinoin, a category X medication, is absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy. Created to decrease the frequency of pregnancy-related adverse events, iPLEDGE requires patient, physician and pharmacy registration, online verification of compliance, and monthly laboratory evidence of negative pregnancy status. The program includes an extensive patient introductory brochure containing a detailed informed consent.
The package-insert displays a bolded warning regarding an association between isotretinoin and psychiatric disturbances, predominantly depression and suicidality. The “Warnings” section describes an association with IBD. Whether there is a causal relationship between isotretinoin and psychiatric changes or IBD is debated in the medical literature and laymedia. Moreover, the association between isotretinoin and IBD is the subject of mass tort litigation. As a result, despite conflicting and inconclusive data, these controversies likely influence dermatologists’ opinions and practices with regards to isotretinoin counseling and prescribing. This survey was designed to investigate dermatologists’ opinions regarding certain controversies surrounding isotretinoin, and how these controversies influence prescribing and counseling.

METHODS

A 25-question survey was distributed to 7,013 dermatologists in a proprietary database (D. Kehrer, MBD, Inc.). Emails with an explanation of the study, an invitation to complete the questionnaire, and an embedded link to the survey were distributed. The questionnaire was administered through SurveyMonkey, a web–based survey tool. Responses were collected from Oc-