Physicians are now recognizing the importance and contribution of genetic tests towards the improvement of medication. However, some doctors and physicians feel that they do not know enough about the these tests. So, they are not practicing the resulted guidelines of medicine dosage; not yet. This new research study was done by Medco Health Solutions, Inc. and involved patients that were on the blood thinner drug warfarin and the breast cancer prevention drug tamoxifen.
The usage of genetic testing for patients and the drugs they take is an advancement that can lead to safer and effective medication use. Based on the study, both medications were impacted by gene variants that can significantly affect a patient's response to the drug. For testing patients on warfarin, physicians can prescribe the precise amount of dosage. This correct dosage resulted in a 30% decrease in hospitalization rates. For patients on tamoxifen, by performing genetic tests prior to prescription, physicians can predict weather the drug will work in preventing the recurrence of breast cancer in an individual patient or not.
I think that it is great that doctors and physicians are incorporating genetic tests in their practice. This will help detect diseases earlier and the correct dosage will be provided. It is also important that health professionals know about genetics and its practice at their jobs.
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