Access to acne drug causes concern 

Source: ONE News

New Zealand and Australian dermatologists are concerned by Pharmac's decision to allow a potentially dangerous acne medication to be more widely available.

Pharmac announced last week it was allowing general practitioners to prescribe Isotretinoin (Isotane) subsidised from March next year.

The drug which has only been available subsidised from a specialist dermatologist has a range of side effects including a risk of birth defects for pregnant women and there is ongoing debate around the evidence of increased risk of suicidal thoughts.

The New Zealand Dermatological Society and the Australasian College of Dermatologists say they are worried the current, stringent, safety measures will not be upheld if the drugs are more easily prescribed.

Dermatologists have been conservative in prescribing the medication because of the severity of the side effects, the New Zealand Dermatological Society president Dr Liz Baird says.

"We know the potential damage that could be caused during a pregnancy would be devastating so we have been extremely vigilant in ensuring our clients are fully informed of the importance of avoiding pregnancy while on these medications."

It is good Pharmac has acknowledged the danger posed by the medication and is imposing special precautions on its use, but only dermatologists have specialist training in the treatment of skin conditions and extensive experience in prescribing these medicines, Baird says.

Dermatologists will monitor the training given to general practitioners who wished to prescribe the drug to make sure it is used safely and appropriately, she says.

Pharmac's medical director Dr Peter Moodie said last week Pharmac was fully aware of the risks and had made its decision after carefully weighing up relevant material.

There have been access issues because not everyone can afford or has access to a specialist dermatologist, he says.

"We have confidence that general practitioners who prescribe this drug will be well-trained and aware of the need to prescribe this medicine carefully, and monitor patients closely.

"We are confident that patient safety will be maintained while the equity issue is resolved."