Evaluating Acne Patients’ Experience with Isotretinoin: The Pharmacist’s Role in Patient Safety and Education

Samah Amir; Ranya Lazrak; Ebtesam Beshna; Asala Abumahdi; Rabab Alshidya

doi:10.26629/uzjms.2025.07

Authors

Samah Amir Department of Pharmaceutical Care, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Zawia, Libya. https://orcid.org/0009-0002-5292-0207
Ranya Lazrak Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Industry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Zawia, Libya. https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5784-3244
Ebtesam Beshna Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Industry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Zawia, Libya. https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6220-1878
Asala Abumahdi Department of Pharmaceutical Care, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Zawia, Libya.
Rabab Alshidya Department of Pharmaceutical Care, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Zawia, Libya.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26629/uzjms.2025.07

Keywords:

Isotretinoin, acne vulgaris, pharmacist counseling, patient safety, Libya.

Abstract

Background: Isotretinoin is a highly effective treatment for severe acne but carries significant risks, including teratogenicity and psychiatric effects. Pharmacists are well-positioned to enhance patient safety through education and monitoring, yet their role remains underutilized. This study evaluated the experiences of patients with acne who used isotretinoin and assessed the role of pharmacists in improving safety and education.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Zawia, Libya, from November to December 2024. The questionnaire was distributed to the general population, targeting 122 oral isotretinoin users who were acne patients undergoing isotretinoin therapy. Data were collected on demographics, information sources, awareness of side effects, and pharmacist involvement, and were analyzed using SPSS version 26 with descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages).

Results: Participants were predominantly female (59.8%) and aged 20–30 years. While (68%) received information about isotretinoin from physicians, only (39.3%) cited pharmacists as their primary source. Most patients (85.2%) were aware of side effects, with dry skin (89.4%) being the most common. Although (86.1%) had regular consultations, only (52%) received detailed pharmacist counseling. Critical gaps were identified in contraception (e.g., iPledge requirements), mental health monitoring, and laboratory follow-up. While (73.8%) acknowledged pharmacists as part of their care team, just (45.1%) perceived their input as effective.

Conclusions: Pharmacists play an important role in ensuring isotretinoin safety, yet their involvement remains inconsistent. Implementing standardized counseling protocols, especially for high-risk areas such as pregnancy prevention and mental health, could enhance therapeutic outcomes. Systematically integrating pharmacists into acne care teams may help close existing educational gaps.