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Is PGx Important

PGx or Pharmacogenetics is the study of how genetics affects a person's response to drugs.

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It examines the relationship between an individual's genetic makeup and their ability to metabolize and respond to various medications. The primary goal of PGx is to improve drug safety and efficacy by providing personalized drug therapy recommendations. In this blog post, we will discuss how PGx is a valid test and its significance in lay terms.

Why is PGx important?

Every individual's response to medication is different, and the current approach to drug therapy is one-size-fits-all. Doctors prescribe drugs based on the average response of a large population, but not everyone will respond the same way. This can result in adverse drug reactions or poor efficacy, leading to additional healthcare costs and poor outcomes.

PGx testing provides a personalized approach to drug therapy by analyzing an individual's genetic makeup. It helps doctors select the most appropriate medication and dosage for each patient. This leads to better outcomes, reduced adverse drug reactions, and lower healthcare costs.

How does PGx work?

PGx testing involves analyzing an individual's DNA to identify genetic variations that affect drug metabolism and response. Genetic variations can affect how a person's body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and eliminates drugs from the body. PGx testing can identify which drugs and dosages are likely to be most effective for a patient based on their genetic makeup. For example, some individuals have a genetic variation that affects their ability to metabolize the drug warfarin, which is used to prevent blood clots. PGx testing can identify this genetic variation and help doctors determine the appropriate dose of warfarin for that patient to prevent adverse drug reactions.

Is PGx a valid test?

PGx testing is a valid and reliable test that has been validated by numerous studies. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 2018 found that PGx testing improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. The study analyzed data from over 100,000 patients and found that PGx testing reduced hospital admissions, emergency room visits, and medication-related adverse events.

Another study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2019 found that PGx testing improved outcomes in patients with depression. The study analyzed data from over 1,100 patients and found that those who received PGx-guided treatment had better outcomes and fewer side effects compared to those who received standard treatment.

In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several PGx tests and recognizes the importance of personalized drug therapy. The FDA has issued guidelines for drug manufacturers to include PGx information in drug labels to help doctors select appropriate medication and dosages.

Conclusion

PGx testing is a valid and reliable test that can improve patient outcomes, reduce adverse drug reactions, and lower healthcare costs. It provides a personalized approach to drug therapy by analyzing an individual's genetic makeup to determine which medications and dosages are likely to be most effective. PGx testing has been validated by numerous studies and is recognized by the FDA as an important tool in personalized drug therapy.

References:

  1. Caudle KE, Dunnenberger HM, Freimuth RR, et al. Standardizing terms for clinical pharmacogenetic test results: consensus terms from the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC). Genet Med. 2017;19(2):215-223.
  2. Hoffman JM, Haidar CE, Wilkinson MR, et al. PG4KDS: a model for the clinical implementation of pre-emptive pharmacogenetics. Am J Med Genet C Semin Med Genet. 2014;166C(1):45-55.
  3. Relling MV, Klein TE. CPIC: Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium of the Pharmacogenomics Research Network.
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Dr. Sue Ojageer

Dr. Sue Ojageer is a licensed pharmacist with over 15 years' experience. She is dedicated to providing exceptional pharmaceutical care to her patients. Dr. Ojageer received her Doctorate of Pharmacy (PharmD) from St. John's University.

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