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Study: Contraceptive information sheet may help prevent isotretinoin-exposed pregnancies

An information sheet significantly improved female dermatology patients’ contraceptive knowledge and might be useful in preventing isotretinoin-exposed pregnancies, according to recently published study results.

Isotretinoin, a known teratogen used for treating severe acne that has been refractory to other treatments, is strictly regulated by the FDA in the distribution to female patients of childbearing potential through the iPLEDGE program. The program requires women to pledge to use two forms of contraception, in addition to completing monthly serum pregnancy tests and online tests of their comprehension of teratogenic risks associated with isotretinoin use; however, within the first year of the program, 122 pregnancies affected by isotretinoin were reported, according to a press release.

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine conducted an anonymous survey after approaching 118 women (mean age: 27.5 years) in the waiting room of a dermatology practice between April and May 2014. More than half the women had been treated for acne or had participated in skin programs in the prior year, and 11 participants had received isotretinoin treatment.

The survey measured the women’s knowledge of the effectiveness of eight contraceptive methods before and after reviewing a contraceptive information sheet. One hundred women completed the survey before being called to see a clinician.

Seventy-five percent of the women overestimated the effectiveness of condoms, with more than half of the participants overestimating the effectiveness of contraceptive injections (57%) and oral contraceptives (51%) before viewing the contraceptive information sheet. Thirty-four percent of participants were unware of contraceptive implants, and 16% had not heard of intrauterine contraceptive device, according to the researchers.

Of the eight contraceptives mentioned in the survey, the women correctly identified the typical effectiveness of a mean of 3.8 contraceptives. Typical effectiveness of all eight contraceptives were correctly identified by 3% of participants.

Laura Ferris

The women spent a mean time of 31 seconds reviewing the information sheet. Following the review, the ability to correctly identify the typical effectiveness of contraceptives increased for most methods, according to the researchers.

“This shows us that dermatologists can make a difference by providing women who take this drug more education regarding effective forms of contraception,” study author, Laura K. Ferris, MD, PhD, said in the press release.

Disclosures: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.