What is Pharmacogenetics?
Pharmacogenetics is the study or branch of pharmacology that examines the genetic reaction of the body to some drugs or medicine, and other factors concerning the combination of pharmacology and genomics.
What is pharmacogenetic testing?
Pharmacogenetic Testing is a kind of genetic test where the drug metabolic pathways are tested against some drug ingredients. In this process, individual responses to drug components, such as therapeutic and adverse effects, are observed and studied.
What can we benefit from pharmacogenetic testing?
With pharmacogenetic testing, pharmacies can prepare an effective, safe and specific medication to the genetic body makeup of an individual. Commercial drug companies produce medicines that are in common doses, However, these dosages do not work equally in the same way for everyone. With pharmacogenetic testing, medications can now be tailored to the specific healthcare needs. With genetic testing, a patient can benefit from getting the right medication without worrying about any adverse effects it may have on the body.
Who Can Benefit from PGX?
Fewer than 50% of patients with depression respond to their first prescribed medication and with each failed medication trial, their treatment intolerance increases.
Consider offering PGX to:
- New patients with a previous medication failure
- Patients who are experiencing lower than desired medication response
- Patients who are currently experiencing unwanted side effects
- Elderly patients and patients with liver damage
