Usage and equity of access to isotretinoin in New Zealand by deprivation and ethnicity.

Aims: Oral isotretinoin, for severe acne, was until March 2009 fully funded in New Zealand only if the prescription was written by a vocationally registered dermatologist. This funding restriction was argued on the basis of complexity of management and an appreciable risk of teratogenicity if given during pregnancy or within a month of conception. However, this funding restriction had the potential to create inequitable access barriers.

Terminations of pregnancy associated with isotretinoin use in New Zealand.

Aims: Oral isotretinoin is a highly-effective treatment for severe acne. It is also highly teratogenic. Recently, funded access was widened (from vocationally registered dermatologists only) to include vocationally trained general practitioners and nurse practitioners acting within their scope of practice.