FOI release

Request for information

Case reference FOI2024/00710

Received 13 November 2024

Published 22 November 2024

Request

I would like to request to receive the number of reported cases of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), blepharitis or dry eyes from being on roaccutane/isotretinoin medication? Or any Opthalmic problem from being on roaccutane medication? It seems to be very common and reported all over social media and over the internet. Many Opthalmologists have patients who have severe cases from being on roaccutane medication but this is not showing as a severe alert/warning. Every opthamologist that I have seen has some patients with severe problems as a result. On the side effect leaflet it shows as dry eyes being a common side effect whilst you’re on medication but then dermatologists will tell you that it will go back to normal when you come off the medication, but there are so many cases where it doesn’t and living with severe dry eyes/MGD can destroy your life. Many patients with chronic problems, class there dry eyes as being the worst condition they have and it was classified as being similar to angina in terms of pain. Most treatments aren’t very effective at relieving discomfort. It can prevent people from living a normal life and leaves people with having suicidal ideations. Some people who have corneal neuralgia on own or in combination with severe dry eyes have committed suicide. It’s only showing up as a serious alert for pregnancy whilst being on the medication and mental health difficulties, where there have been some procedures in place to try to reduce these risks whilst on the medication. People should be given a leaflet about dry eyes, they should get them to have their eyes checked to ensure they don’t have any dry eyes prior to starting the treatment and be informed at the consultation that it could lead to permanent changes with there eyes. They should be advised to use supplements and drops during the course of their treatment if they do decide to proceed.

Response

see attached

Documents

• FOI2024_00710 redacted for publication.pdf (160.0 KB)

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