The main thing we focus on with our patients is drug toxicities that can be predicted by P450 polymorphism include those exerted by codeine, tramadol, warfarin, acenocoumarol, and clopidogrel. We also evaluate the patients smoking habits because the polymorphic CYP2A6 has a role in nicotine metabolism and smoking behavior.

Drug-drug interactions are of particular importance with respect to adverse effects. In fact, adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are one of the major causes of death, amounting to the fifth leading cause in the United States, encompassing 100,000 deaths annually. In addition, ADRs are also responsible for up to 7% of hospitalizations.

This is why we are working with our physicians to make pharmacogenetic testing become standard practice prior to prescribing and dosing medications.

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Dawn