Pharmacogenomics: The End of Trial-and-Error Medicine?

Author(s):  Vail Jane

Issue:  Jan/Feb 2007 - Pediatric Patients
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Abstract:  “The right dose of the right drug for the right indication for the right patient at the right time.” In those words, Dr. Felix Frueh captured the essence of pharmacogenomics and the goal of all compounding pharmacists. Pharmacogenomics provides the tools for prescribing personalized drug therapy that will improve treatment outcomes, decrease the incidence of drug-related adverse effects, and ultimately reduce the cost of medical care. The use of pharmacogenomics in clinical practice is changing as new discoveries make it possible and cost-effective to identify a patient’s unique genetic makeup and apply this information to treating medical ailments. With a prescription and the patient’s pharmacogenomic profile in mind, a compounding pharmacist can prepare a customized medication that delivers that patient’s unique best dosage in the optimal dosage form.

Related Keywords: PERSONALIZED MEDICINE, INDIVIDUALIZED MEDICINE, PHARMACOGENOMICS, GENOMICS, GENOME, GENETIC TESTING, RESEARCH, FDA, US FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, TRIAL, CUSTOMIZED, JANET WOODCOCK

Related Categories: LEGAL, TECHNOLOGY, PROFESSIONAL ISSUES, PREVENTIVE MEDICINE/WELLNESS

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