Retinoids and Related Drugs Flashcards
What is the main risk faced by women of childbearing potential when using retinoids?
Teratogenicity.
What should be done to reduce the risk of teratogenicity in women of childbearing age when using retinoids?
Pregnancy should be excluded before commencing treatment. Women should be advised to use at least one method of contraception (ideally two). Oral progestogen-only contraceptives are not considered effective. Barrier methods should not be used alone.
What course of action should be taken if a woman of childbearing age becomes pregnant during treatment with retinoids?
Medication should be discontinued immediately and prompt medical attention should be sought.
What are some side effects of retinoid therapy?
Risk of benign intracranial hypertension, discontinue if severe headache, nausea, vomiting, or visual disturbances occur.
Give some examples of retinoids.
Tretinoin, isotretinoin, acitretin, alitretinoin.
What side effect is associated with long-term use of acitretin?
Risk of skeletal hypertosis (calcification of the ligaments attached to the spine).
What are retinoids used to treat?
Severe acne resistant to conventional treatment with antibiotics etc. Prescribed by dermatologist.
When taking oral isotretinoin, when should a patient seek medical advice?
One should seek medical advice if psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts develop. If symptoms suggestive of pancreatitis and visual disturbance develop.
Which cosmetic ‘procedures’ should a patient on oral isotretinoin avoid?
Wax epilation (risk of epidermal stripping), dermabrasion, and laser skin treatments during treatment and for at least six months after stopping.
What skincare advice should be given to patients taking oral isotretinoin?
Avoid exposure to UV light (including sunlight), use sunscreen and emollients (including lip balm).
When using topical isotretinoin, some redness and skin peeling can initially occur. What course of action should be taken if this continues?
Discontinue treatment.
What skincare advice should be given to patients using topical isotretinoin?
Avoid UV light exposure (including sunlight) and use sunscreen or protective clothing.
