Compliance with the pregnancy prevention program among women initiating isotretinoin treatment between 2014 and 2021: A nationwide cohort study on the French Health Data System (SNDS).

BACKGROUND: Despite the French pregnancy prevention program (PPP), a considerable number of pregnancies are potentially exposed to oral isotretinoin. New measures were taken by the French Medicines Agency, including the restriction of initial isotretinoin prescriptions to dermatology specialists in May 2015 and a new information campaign on teratogenicity in January 2019. OBJECTIVES: The aims were to: describe, between 2014 and 2021, compliance with PPP recommendations: isotretinoin use as a second-line treatment, first prescription by a dermatology specialist, monthly prescription renewal and pregnancy testing (PT); assess the effect of the 2015 and 2019 measures on PT compliance; and identify the determinants of PT noncompliance. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted among women aged 11-50 years initiating isotretinoin between 2014 and 2021 using the French Health Data System. PT compliance corresponded to pregnancy test completion and specific delays between prescription and dispensation. Time series analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of the 2015 and 2019 measures on PT compliance, and log-binomial and Poisson multivariate regression models were used to identify the determinants of PT noncompliance. RESULTS: Isotretinoin was prescribed as a second-line treatment in 64% of initiations, mainly by dermatology specialists (92%). A new monthly prescription was observed in 98% of dispensations. PT compliance reached 61%, 72% and 25% at initiation, renewals and end of treatment, respectively. The 2015 measure was associated with better PT compliance at initiation and renewals. The 2019 measure had no significant effect on PT compliance at the initiation or end of treatment but was associated with a decrease in PT compliance at renewals. Age, low socioeconomic level, initiation by a nondermatology specialist and during summer were associated with PT noncompliance. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding factors associated with PT noncompliance could help to target specific subpopulations of women treated with isotretinoin.

Specific features of amoxicillin-associated Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms syndrome: a nationwide study.

BACKGROUND: Growing evidence indicates that amoxicillin induces herpesvirus replication in vitro. As these play a central pathophysiological role in Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms syndrome (DRESS), amoxicillin could present with specific DRESS features. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the onset patterns of amoxicillin-associated DRESS. METHODS: All cases of DRESS (Kardaun score ≥4) involving amoxicillin and reported in the French Pharmacovigilance Database between January 1, 2004 and November 30, 2019 were included. Onset circumstances for these cases were categorized considering the onset delay from amoxicillin initiation, and the presence of concomitant medications with a compatible time to onset. RESULTS: A total of 146 probable cases or definite cases of DRESS were included. Three onset circumstances were identified: (i) 'amoxicillin clear culprit' where amoxicillin was the sole suspect drug or when concomitant drugs of compatible time to onset were not reported to cause DRESS (n = 62); (ii) 'amoxicillin possible culprit' in the presence of other potentially culprit drugs in addition to amoxicillin (n = 44) and (iii) 'flare' where amoxicillin, used after DRESS onset, induced flare-up reactions (n = 40). The median time to onset was 5 days (IQR 2-11) in 'clear culprit', and 18 days (IQR 7-26) in 'possible culprit' cases. In 'flare' cases, the median latency between amoxicillin initiation and flare-up reactions was 3 days (IQR 2-5). CONCLUSIONS: Amoxicillin can induce DRESS with a specific early onset and exacerbate DRESS from another drug.

The cardiovascular safety of oral alitretinoin: a population-based cohort study involving 19 513 patients exposed to oral alitretinoin.

BACKGROUND: Oral alitretinoin is a retinoid used for severe chronic hand eczema. Although caution is recommended for patients with uncontrolled dyslipidaemia or cardiovascular risk factors, the actual atherothrombotic risk has not been investigated thus far. OBJECTIVES: To detect any excess of atherothrombotic events among patients exposed to alitretinoin, during treatment or in the 2 years following initiation. METHODS: Using the French Health Insurance database, we compared the number of patients who had an atherothrombotic event (coronary artery disease, ischaemic stroke or peripheral artery disease requiring revascularization) in the population exposed to oral alitretinoin vs. the general population of the same age, sex and baseline cardiovascular risk, using standardized morbidity ratios (SMRs). RESULTS: Between 2009 and 2017, 19 513 patients were exposed to oral alitretinoin in France. Sixty-four (0·3%) patients had an atherothrombotic event while on alitretinoin. Patients receiving alitretinoin experienced no more atherothrombotic events than the general population: patients without cardiovascular risk factors or previous atherothrombotic events had a SMR of 0·65 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0·26-1·34] during alitretinoin treatment, and 1·21 (95% CI 0·90-1·59) in the 2 years following initiation; patients with cardiovascular risk factors or previous atherothrombotic events had a SMR of 0·82 (95% CI 0·60-1·08) during alitretinoin treatment and 0·95 (95% CI 0·82-1·09) in the 2 years following initiation. Taken separately, SMRs for each outcome did not increase either. CONCLUSIONS: These data from an exhaustive nationwide population-based study do not support an increase in the incidence of atherothrombotic events with alitretinoin use, regardless of the baseline cardiovascular risk of the patient.

Transient major hypothermia associated with acetaminophen: A pediatric case report and literature review.

We report the case of a 4-month-old baby boy who presented hypothermia (rectal temperature 36°C) after acetaminophen intake for post-vaccination fever. A recurrence of the hypothermia was observed after acetaminophen rechallenge for fever. We reviewed 14 other pediatric cases of hypothermia secondary to therapeutic doses of acetaminophen. Hypothermia after a therapeutic dose is a very rare side effect of acetaminophen. Several hypotheses have been made but the exact mechanism remains unknown.

[Contraception: CNGOF Guidelines for Clinical Practice (Short Version)]. / Contraception : Recommandations pour la Pratique Clinique du CNGOF (texte court).

The French College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (CNGOF) releases its first global recommendations for clinical practice in contraception, to provide physicians with an updated synthesis of available data as a basis for their practice. The French Health Authority (HAS) methodology was used. Twelve practical issues were selected by the organizing committee and the task force members. The available literature was screened until December 2017, and allowed the release of evidence-based, graded recommendations. This synthesis is issued from 12 developed texts, previously reviewed by experts and physicians from public and private practices, with an experience in the contraceptive field. Male and female sterilization, as well as the use of hormonal treatments without contraceptive label were excluded from the field of this analysis. Specific practical recommendations on the management of contraception prescription, patient information including efficacy, risks, and benefits of the different contraception methods, follow up, intrauterine contraception, emergency contraception, local and natural methods, contraception in teenagers and after 40, contraception in vascular high-risk situations, and in case of cancer risk are provided. The short/mid-term future of contraception mostly relies on improving the use of currently available methods. This includes reinforced information for users and increased access to contraception for women, whatever the social and clinical context. That is the goal of these recommendations.

[Drug and food interactions with contraceptives: CNGOF Contraception Guidelines]. / Interactions avec les contraceptifs. RPC Contraception CNGOF.

INTRODUCTION: The risk of drug interaction with hormonal contraceptives should be anticipated as it may lead to unplanned pregnancies. These are frequently reported with some drugs, such as antiepileptics, and with some contraceptive methods, such as the implant, not always understood by patients as hormonal contraception. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work was to review all drugs and foods at risk of interaction with contraceptives. METHODS: The official recommendations established by the French Agency for the safety of medicinal products have been taken into account, supported by a review of the literature. RESULTS: There is a risk of drug-drug interaction with all hormonal contraceptives regardless of their route of administration. Most interactions lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. If an enzyme inducer drug is started in a woman with an hormonal contraception, it is recommended, if the treatment is short, to use an additional mechanical contraception (barrier method) for the duration of the treatment and the cycle following its arrest and if the treatment is long, it is recommended to choose a non-hormonal contraceptive method. On the contrary, some drugs may increase ethinylestradiol levels and potentially the risk of complications. Exceptionally, it is the hormonal contraceptive that will alter the pharmacokinetics of another drug, for example, lamotrigine. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of drug interaction leading to a decrease in the contraceptive effectiveness needs to be known to prescribers in order to be taken into account when prescribing any new drug in a woman with hormonal contraception (and whatever its route of administration).

Psychiatric disorders, acne and systemic retinoids: comparison of risks.

BACKGROUND: The link between isotretinoin, treatment of a severe form of acne, and psychiatric disorders remains controversial, as acne itself could explain the occurrence of psychiatric disorders. This study aims at assessing the disproportionality of psychiatric adverse events reported with isotretinoin in the French National PharmacoVigilance Database, compared with other systemic acne treatments and systemic retinoids. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were extracted from the French National PharmacoVigilance Database for systemic acne treatments, systemic retinoids and drugs used as comparators. Each report was subjected to double-blind analysis by two psychiatric experts. A disproportionality analysis was performed, calculating the number of psychiatric ADRs divided by the total number of notifications for each drug of interest. RESULTS: Concerning acne systemic treatments: all 71 reports of severe psychiatric disorders involved isotretinoin, the highest proportion of mild/moderate psychiatric adverse events was reported with isotretinoin (14.1%). Among systemic retinoids, the highest proportion of severe and mild/moderate psychiatric events occurred with isotretinoin and alitretinoin. CONCLUSION: Our study raises the hypothesis that psychiatric disorders associated with isotretinoin are related to a class effect of retinoids, as a signal emerges for alitretinoin. Complementary studies are necessary to estimate the risk and further determine at-risk populations.

[Post-licensure safety surveillance for Prevenar 13® in France]. / Bilan français des effets indésirables du vaccin Prévenar 13®.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the profile and the incidence of adverse events (AEs) reported with Prevenar 13® since its commercialization. METHOD: Analysis of all adverse events reported with Prevenar 13® in France between 1st July 2010 and 31 October 2014. RESULTS: In 4 years and 4 months, 376 AEs, including 252 severe (67%), were recorded, 83 of which occurred following an injection of Prevenar 13® alone: 39 cutaneous AEs, 16 neurological AEs, four cases of collapse or shock, nine cases of fever, and one of thrombocytopenia. For the serious AEs, the outcome was favorable in 88% of cases and none of the 12 reported deaths were attributed to a side effect of vaccination. Fifty-nine cases of pneumococcal disease that suggest an ineffective vaccine were reported, but only 16 can be considered as a real failure of the vaccination. DISCUSSION: In many cases, Prevenar 13® was administered on the same day as a hexavalent vaccine with which the AEs reported were expected. The profile of AEs reported following Prevenar 13® alone is similar to that seen with Prevenar 7®. CONCLUSION: Since its release in 2010, the Prevenar 13® pharmacovigilance survey, which includes more than 11,800,000 distributed doses, did not show any new information in terms of tolerance safety.

[Thrombosis during thrombopoietin receptor agonist treatment for immune thrombocytopenia. A French multicentric observational study]. / Thromboses sous agonistes du récepteur de la thrombopoïétine au cours du purpura thrombopénique immunologique. Étude rétrospective multicentrique en France.

INTRODUCTION: Thrombopoietin-receptor agonists (TPO-RA) are marketed for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). They have been associated to thrombosis occurrence in randomized controlled trials. However, the characteristics of these thromboses in the real-life practice as well as their management are poorly known. The objectives of this study were to determine the risk factors, circumstances and management of thrombosis occurring during exposure to TPO-RA in ITP. METHODS: We carried out a multicentre retrospective study in France. Moreover, all cases reported to the French pharmacovigilance system were also analyzed. RESULTS: Overall, 41 thrombosis (13 arterial) in 36 ITP patients (14 males and 22 females, mean age: 59 years) were recorded between January 2009 and October 2015. Twenty patients were treated with romiplostim, 15 with eltrombopag and 1 was treated by both medications. Thirty-three (92%) of the patients had another risk factor for thrombosis. Ten (28%) had an history of thrombosis and 13 (36%) received immunoglobulin in the month preceding the thrombotic event. Three had antiphospholipid antibodies; congenital low-risk thrombophilia was found in 4 cases; 18 patients (50%) were splenectomized. Median platelet count at the time of thrombosis was 172G/l (1-1049G/l). In 22 patients (56%), a good prognosis was associated with the thrombosis and was not linked with TPO-RA withdrawal. Bleeding events occurred in 14% of the patients treated with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drug, including 5% serious events (1 death of intracranial haemorrhage, 1 death of haemorrhagic shock). CONCLUSIONS: The thrombotic risk may be carefully assessed before starting TPO-RA in ITP patients. The impact of antiphospholipid antibodies and of congenital thrombophilia remains to be defined. Thrombosis evolution seems independent of TPO-RA management. Bleeding manifestations seem rare. Poor prognosis was mainly due to ischemic sequelae.

[Safety profile of etonogestrel contraceptive implant (Nexplanon® and Implanon®) reported in France]. / Profil des effets indésirables de l'implant d'étonogestrel (Nexplanon®, Implanon®) déclarés en France.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the incidence of adverse effects (AE) reported with etonogestrel contraceptive implant in France (Implanon® and Nexplanon®). MATERIALS AND METHODS: All cases of AE or unintended pregnancies reported to health authorities or to the firm were analyzed. RESULTS: During 10 years, 5433 AE and 789 unintended pregnancies were reported. Only 388 (7 %) were serious. There were 1137 reports of difficulties to remove, failure to locate or migration, 430 of insertion difficulties and 203 of deformation or expulsion of the implant. Among other AE, the most common were 1694 gynecological AE, 524 skin reactions and 437 metabolic AE. Since the marketing of Nexplanon® which causes less deep insertions, the incidence of migrations, removal or insertion difficulties has decreased overall (0.92 vs. 1.31/1000 patients), particularly the incidence of removal difficulties, location failures or migrations (0.12 vs 1.01/1000). The infrequent but serious AE were infectious complications at the implant site and pregnancies. When the circumstances of the pregnancy were known, the contraceptive failure was due to the apparent inefficiency of the implant (n=224), to a technique failure (n=203) or to a drug-drug interaction (n=59). CONCLUSION: This study confirms that AE of this implant are frequent but not serious, except for the pregnancies. The incidence of complications related to insertion decreased with Nexplanon®. Among other preventable AE, unintended pregnancies due to a drug-drug interaction would require to be better known by the practitioner.