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Pharmacogenetics

What is pharmacogenetics?

Pharmacogenetics is the study of how genes affect the way our body responds to medications. Everyone’s genetic makeup is unique, and this can influence how well a medicine works for an individual or whether it might cause side effects. By understanding one’s genetic profile, doctors can choose medications and dosages that are safer and more effective, making treatment more personalized.

How does it help?

Pharmacogenetics can be helpful for seniors in many ways-

  • Makes the prescribed medications safer and more effective for them.
  • Identifies medications that are likely to work best for them and ones that might cause side effects.
  • Reduce the guesswork and improving their overall care.
  • May reduce the use of multiple medications.
  • Can help them feel better faster.

Why is it important?

Pharmacogenetics is especially important for psychiatric medications and polypharmacy (using multiple medications) because:

  • High Failure Rates: More than 50% of antidepressants fail when prescribed for the first time.
  • Delayed Effectiveness: These medications often take a long time to show results.
  • Unnecessary Side Effects: Patients may experience significant side effects if their genetic profile is incompatible with the prescribed medication.
  • Individual Differences: Everyone’s body processes medication differently. Pharmacogenetics helps identify the right medication and dosage tailored to one’s unique genetic makeup.
  • Personalized and Safer Treatments: It ensures medications are more effective and safer by reducing the risk of side effects and avoiding drugs that may not work.

How does it work?

Pharmacogenetics works by looking at individual’s genetic variations that are most likely to impact the mechanism of action of medications. Identifying these genetic variations help to select the most compatible medication for individuals that may show highest efficacy and may cause the least side-effects. A simple test, often using a swab from the inside of cheek, is done to study these genetic variations. The process getting the test is simple and easy-

  • Schedule an appointment with a pharmacist at Personalized Prescribing Inc. (PPI) to discuss patient’s clinical and medical history.
  • Sign the digital consent form.
  • Receive a swab sample kit delivered by mail.
  • Collect cheek swab sample following the provided instructions and return it to the lab using the prepaid return envelope.
  • Once the sample is processed, the case-pharmacist emails a personalized report to patients and their treating physicians.

How do we use it within CareFall™?

Seniors visiting CareFall™ for assessment can benefit from three helpful services offered by Personalized Prescribing Inc. (PPI). CareFall™ can utilize these services to make medications safer and more effective for seniors:

Personalized Medication Evaluation (PME)

Personalized Medication Evaluation (PME)- for seniors having issues with their current medication and experiencing side effects

  • A PME is a detailed review of medications by a pharmacist.
  • The pharmacist checks for any problems, such as drug interactions or side effects, and ensures that medications are safe and working as they should.
  • The pharmacist evaluates if the number of medications can be minimized to avoid contra-indications.
  • The goal is to help take the right medications in the right way to keep seniors healthy.

Opti-Med Testing-

Opti-Med Testing- an add-on service to PME to identify the right medications (for any conditions) with low side-effects risks.

  • This genetic test looks at how the body processes medications and recommend the right dosages for their current medications.
  • It helps determine if they are a “slow processor” (leading to more side effects) or a “fast processor” (causing medications to be less effective).
  • With this information, the doctor can adjust medications to match individual body’s needs, making them work better for them.

Rx Report - Psychiatry & Pain Test

Rx Report – Psychiatry & Pain Test- for seniors with depression or anxiety and their prescribed antidepressants aren’t working well or are causing side effects

  • It uses the genetic information to find antidepressants that are more likely to work for them with fewer side effects.
  • This service is especially recommended for seniors who need better-tailored treatment for their mental health.

These services are designed to make medications work better, reduce side effects, and improve overall quality of life of seniors.

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