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Your DNA and MS treatment: New personalized medicine options

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a complex autoimmune condition with various treatment options available. This article reviews the current medications for MS and discusses the roles of genetic testing and clinical pharmacy services in optimizing treatment for each individual.

Types of disease-modifying therapies for MS

The primary therapies are various types of disease-modifying...

5 ways Pillcheck helps businesses manage benefits costs

Pillcheck programs in disability and health benefits

More and more Canadians are using prescription drugs for chronic diseases and mental health problems, which drive the costs of drugs and disability benefits. At the same time, drugs don’t always work as expected for everyone. When an employee is unwell, their decreased performance...

Medication hypersensitivity: genetics and drug toxicity

People can develop severe sensitivities to medications that might look like drug allergies. Allergic reactions usually include symptoms such as hives, mild rashes, itching, and swelling that could lead to anaphylaxis. These reactions occur when antibodies are elevated in response to inactive ingredients in pills or sometimes...

Hormonal contraceptives, depression and blood clots

Hormonal contraception is a widely used and very effective method of birth control, but it is not without risks. For decades, women have reported significant mood changes when using hormonal contraceptives, including birth control pills and intrauterine devices (IUDs). Large-scale population studies have confirmed a link between hormonal birth control...

Weight loss medications: what you need to know

New weight loss medications, including semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tripeptide (Mounjaro), were originally developed for diabetes and became best-seller drugs for their remarkable efficacy and weight loss. Yet many people taking these endure severe side effects, especially when taken with other medications. Some individuals may develop serious complications. That’s why...

Drug metabolism in women: The effects of pregnancy, contraception, and hormone replacement therapy on drug response

Gender, age and hormones can all affect drug metabolism

It's well-known that genetic variations inherited by individuals can lead to different reactions to medications, with the same drug dosage being safe and effective for one person but causing adverse reactions or being insufficient for another. This is known as pharmacogenetics. Clinical...

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