The concept of pharmacogenetics, that is, a link between genetic variations and drug response, is over 70 years old. The first paper on the topic was published in 1957 by Arno G Motulsky. Werner Kalow published the book “Pharmacogenetics. Heredity and the response to drugs” back in 1962. Since...
There are risks and benefits with taking any medication. Women are understandably concerned about the safety of antidepressants and wonder if they should continue taking them during pregnancy. Worries over drugs' impact on the fetus may lead to discontinuation of anxiety or depression medication. Although some antidepressants can affect...
As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, it is becoming evident that a significant number of people report lasting effects of the infection or have had the usual symptoms for many weeks or even months. Most people recover within two weeks or so, but over 10% of COVID-19 patients remain unwell...
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that arises due to various genetic variations. Recent genomic studies identified the role of structural DNA changes in hundreds of genes conferring ASD risk. Although there are no medications that can cure the core symptoms of autism, medication may help...
Depression and anxiety are common among asthma patients. Stress can exacerbate wheezing and coughing and make you feel more anxious, which only ramps up asthma symptoms. Depending on the severity of asthma symptoms, it can have adverse effects on the quality of everyday life, leading to feelings of stress...
Pharmacists have been long aware of the risks of combining certain pain and depression drugs. Many common antidepressants can significantly reduce the pain relief of opioid painkillers. A recent large-scale study of people who were taking antidepressants and received opioids after surgery had higher pain scores as much as...
Updated November 2020 A recent study pre-published by the American Journal of Gastroenterology has identified a connection between the use of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) and the risk of COVID-19 infections. The risk of contracting the infection appears to increase with the PPI dose. Here we describe how a pharmacogenetic test can...
Many women experience unpleasant symptoms leading up to, during, and after menopause. It is not uncommon to have hot flashes, insomnia and depression. Hot flashes can cause substantial physical and psychological discomfort. There are medical treatments available for women experiencing severe symptoms, including hormone therapy, antidepressants, and even antiepileptic...
The new program builds on the successful introduction of Pillcheck pharmacogenetics by many insurers seeking to impact the frequency and duration of Short-Term and Long-Term disability claims. Now the same rigorously evaluated, secure service is available to plans and benefit advisors on a subscription basis or as a private...
Reduced thyroid function or hypothyroidism frequently develops unnoticed until more severe symptoms manifest themselves. It is estimated that 12% of the population in North America have abnormal thyroid function, and 60% of these individuals are unaware they have the condition. It’s a complex condition that can be caused by...
