[Photosensitivity induced by metformin: a report of 3 cases]. / Photosensibilité induite par la metformine: à propos de 3 cas.

BACKGROUND: Metformin is an oral antihypoglycemic drug. Its cutaneous side effects are rare and photosensitivity had not been reported. AIM: Case report. CASE REPORT: We report 3 cases (a man and two women) of photosensitivity induced by metformin, notified to the Tunisian National Centre of Pharmacovigilance. Onset of the reaction was respectively 22 days, 4 months and 4 years. Daily dose of metformin varied from 1 to 2 tablets. Cutaneous lesions were located in sun-exposed sites in all cases with extension to the back in one case. Lesions were eczematous in two cases and erythematous in one case. Lesions healed after stopping metformin in all cases with positive rechallenge in the 1st case. CONCLUSION: In patient treated by metformin, occurrence of photosensitivity can be related to this drug.

[Risk factors of drug use in school environment in Tunis]. / Facteurs de risque de la consommation des drogues en milieu scolaire à Tunis.

The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of addiction and drug use among Tunisian school teenagers as well as the risk factors associated with this conduct. A transversal study of "Knowledges, Behaviors and Practices" (KBP) has therefore been conducted among 353 school teenagers in the area of Tunis by means of an anonymous and self administered questionnary. Pupils' ages range from 12 to 24 with as many boys as girls (51.6% VS 48.4%). Three quarter (3/4) of the pupils have heard of drugs, the cannabis ("zatla") being the most common referred to; nearly 13% of the pupils said they have consumed drug at last once, half among them more then 3 times. The risk factors associated with drug use are the male sex (p = 10-7), tobacco or alcohol consumption (p = 10-8), violent behaviors (p = 10-4) and a confactual situation with parents (p = 10-5). A prevention of the problem should be based on an action over the identified risk factors.