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The Awareness of and Adherence to the Pregnancy Prevention Program for Oral Retinoids: A Questionnaire Survey in Denmark
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  • Ramune Jacobsen,
  • Dana Backran,
  • Sophia Ahmad,
  • Johanne M. Hansen,
  • Anna Birna Almarsdottir
Ramune Jacobsen
Kobenhavns Universitet Institut for Farmaci

Corresponding Author:ramune.jacobsen@sund.ku.dk

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Dana Backran
Kobenhavns Universitet Institut for Farmaci
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Sophia Ahmad
Kobenhavns Universitet Institut for Farmaci
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Johanne M. Hansen
Bispebjerg Hospital Klinisk Farmakologisk Afdeling
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Anna Birna Almarsdottir
Kobenhavns Universitet Institut for Farmaci
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Abstract

Purpose. We aimed to investigate the awareness of oral retinoid teratogenicity and the adherence to the pregnancy prevention measures related to oral retinoid use by physicians, pharmacists and patients in Denmark. Methods. As part of the multi-country survey, web-based questionnaires were distributed among Danish dermatologists, general practitioners, community pharmacists, and women of childbearing age, who were using or had used oral retinoids within the past five years. Results. A total of 62 physicians, 96 pharmacists, and 50 oral retinoid using women responded; 95%, 100%, and 98%, respectively, were aware of the teratogenic risks of oral retinoids. For physicians, the most applied PPP measures were the usage of the patient (44%) and the healthcare professional (19%) guides, while the least applied measure was signing medication risk awareness form (3%). Among the pharmacists, the warning sign on the outer medication package was the most used measure (45%). Among the women, a majority (90%) had read the patient information leaflet included in the medication package and 72% discussed the use of contraception with their healthcare provider, while risk awareness forms and patient cards were seen by only few. Conclusions. In Denmark, physicians, pharmacists and medicine users are aware about the teratogenic effects of oral retinoids. Adherence to pregnancy prevention measures varied, suggesting unwillingness to use the measures that require patients’ signatures among physicians and a lack of awareness of pharmacy targeting measures. Accessibility of the latter measures need to be optimized to improve the safety of oral retinoid use.
18 Mar 2024Submitted to Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety
18 Mar 2024Submission Checks Completed
18 Mar 2024Assigned to Editor
18 Mar 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
04 Aug 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Major
31 Aug 20241st Revision Received
31 Aug 2024Submission Checks Completed
31 Aug 2024Assigned to Editor
31 Aug 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
16 Sep 2024Editorial Decision: Accept