Pharmacogenomics combines genetics and pharmaceuticals to form a branch of precision medicine. This ongoing science is continuing to evolve, widening its benefits for more and more people taking prescription medications for chronic health conditions. So exactly what is pharmacogenomics and how does it work? Read on to learn more about pharmacogenomic testing at our pharmacy!
What is pharmacogenomics?
Pharmacogenomics is the science of how your body, specifically your genes, responds and reacts to prescription medications. This gives doctors and pharmacists the ability to personalize treatment depending on the individual’s DNA, resulting in more effective drugs with fewer side effects.
How does pharmacogenomics work?
Your DNA can provide all kinds of helpful information when it comes to the types of medications that you may respond well to or on the other hand respond badly to. Many drugs need a cell or “receptor” to attach to, and your DNA determines what types of receptors you have and how they will react to certain drugs. Many receptors will result in a strong response while few receptors mean you’ll most likely have a weak response to the drug. DNA also deals with how your cells enzymatically process the drug and how it is metabolized in the cells. If your body removes the drug from your system too quickly, it won’t have enough time to act, or it could sit too long in the cells, causing a buildup of the drug, which you won’t want either.
What are the benefits of pharmacogenomics?
Because this area of precision medicine is still quite young, continuous research and advancement are needed to fully realize potential benefits; however, here are a few possible positive outcomes from pharmacogenomics:
- Eliminates trial and error– doctors can prescribe the most beneficial medication first if they have a better understanding of how your body reacts to certain drugs.
- Improves safety and efficacy– doctors can prescribe medications without worrying about potentially harmful side effects, reactions, and overdoses.
- Enhances drug development– doctors can look at certain gene variants that cause disease, which can help medical researchers create new drugs to treat those genetic changes.
Who should get a pharmacogenomic test?
Currently, there are a handful of drugs and health conditions that have been researched via pharmacogenomics. Medications for mental health, pain, and heart health are common drug classes that pharmacogenetic testing scans for. People taking medications in these drug classes would benefit from getting a pharmacogenetic test. Want to know if you should get a pharmacogenomic test? Simply reach out to us and ask– we would be happy to answer any questions you may have!
Pharmacogenomic Testing at Towncrest Pharmacy
We are proud to offer this type of medical testing at our pharmacy locations in Iowa. Our healthcare professionals will collect a saliva sample and send it off to the lab for evaluation. Then we can sit down with you to explain the results and discuss how we can improve your medications. Pharmacogenomics gives us a better understanding of your body so that we can provide you with the most accurate dose of medicine, reduce adverse reactions, and increase the effectiveness of treatment.
So now you know the answer to this FAQ– what is pharmacogenomics? Schedule a consultation to see how you could benefit from pharmacogenomic testing. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you personalize your medications!
