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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To explore the practice and knowledge of community pharmacists in Saudi Arabia regarding dispensing isotretinoin-containing products. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2012 that included community pharmacists from 3 cities in Saudi Arabia. A validated and piloted self-administered survey collected demographics and information on the pharmacist9s knowledge regarding isotretinoin precautions, as well as his dispensing, and counseling practices. RESULTS: One hundred and sixteen questionnaires were returned with a 72.5% response rate. Only around half of the participants (56%) knew the correct pregnancy risk classification category for oral isotretinoin. Most participants (78%) correctly identified teratogenicity as the most serious risk associated with the use of oral isotretinoin. However, only 6.2% of the pharmacists recommended using 2 methods of contraception. Almost one-fifth of the pharmacists dispensed isotretinoin without a prescription. Finally, 11% of the pharmacists did not ask whether the patient performed a pregnancy test prior to dispensing oral isotretinoin. CONCLUSION: Pharmacists at community pharmacies are not adequately aware of the risks for female patients using isotretinoin. Additionally, an alarming proportion of pharmacists dispense isotretinoin without a prescription. It is essential to implement risk minimization plans for certain medications to limit and prevent adverse drug reactions.

Article Type

Research Article

First Page

81

Last Page

84

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