Daniel Streetman PharmD, MS of Wolters Kluwer, Health, discusses the potential for pharmacogenomics to transform the efficacy of prescribed drugs and reduce instances of adverse drug reactions. He also explores the professional, ethical and logistical challenges that still need to be overcome for genomics to achieve widespread traction in the UK.
One of the toughest challenges facing clinicians on a daily basis is which drugs to prescribe to their patients, and at what dosage. While experience, expertise and access to the latest scientific information ensure that many of clinician/patient interactions end with a positive outcome, there are inevitably instances where treatment plans fail to achieve their objectives. This, understandably, can translate into patient frustration and, potentially, higher costs - as patients return to their healthcare provider again and again.
Even more troubling are situations in which the drug and dosage appear correct, but trigger an unexpected side effect. In the US, for example, approximately 7000 deaths every year have been attributed to Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) – more than pulmonary disease, diabetes or pneumonia.1
Genetic-based decision making
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