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How your genes can affect your response to anesthesia

 Have you or anyone in your family experienced complications from medical anesthesia? Overall, estimated rates of perioperative complications from anesthesia are between 3% to 16% dependant on a variety of factors. Anesthetic complications can range from short-term, temporary side effects such as nausea or vomiting to, in rare cases, more...

How cholesterol-lowering medications and precision medicine improve psoriasis treatment

 Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by overactive skin cell multiplication, resulting in the development of painful rashes and inflammation. Unfortunately, there is no outright cure for psoriasis, but there are a number of treatment options available. These include creams containing tar, retinol, steroids, light therapy, and oral immune...

Antidepressants and sexual health – How pharmacogenetics can help find the right medication for you

   Antidepressants, low libido and sexual health Stress, anxiety, and depression can have a negative impact on sexual health, causing low libido, premature ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction. However, many men and women are hesitant to seek or continue treatment for these mental health conditions due to the well-known negative effects of commonly...

Tailoring fertility treatments to your genetic profile: Why your DNA matters

   Reproductive health concerns are a common challenge faced by many women, including struggles with conception or pregnancy, often due to underlying medical complications or the natural effects of aging. With a variety of medical treatments available, pharmacogenetic testing can help select the best course of action based on your specific...

Drug induced constipation explained: medications, supplements, coffee, and vitamin interactions

   Medication-induced constipation or diarrhea is a common struggle faced by many, especially those with chronic conditions such as inflammatory bowel diseases as well as those with neuropathic pain, depression and anxiety. Here, we explain which medications can cause chronic constipation and how personalized drug therapy, vitamins and supplements can help...

Antidepressant withdrawal: When and how to taper antidepressants

Antidepressants can be a powerful tool for treating mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, and they often work best when combined with talk therapy. Therapists help individuals develop effective strategies to reduce stress and address the underlying causes of mental health issues. Once you feel better, you might consider...

Understanding endometriosis: Symptoms, risks, and personalized treatment

Endometriosis is a complex condition that is difficult to diagnose due to the close similarity of symptoms with other gynecological and gastrointestinal diseases. The risk and severity of endometriosis are linked to mental health status, hormones, and inflammation. Multimodal medication therapy, along with lifestyle and dietary modifications, may help manage...

Bipolar medications: What works best and how your DNA can guide therapy

Bipolar disorder (BD) is challenging to diagnose due to its episodic and highly variable nature. People with BD often have a poor experience with commonly prescribed antidepressants and require different therapies. Pharmacogenetic testing can help establish the correct diagnosis and guide patients to more effective and better-tolerated treatments. The initial BD...

Personalized hair loss therapy – how DNA analysis can optimize treatment

Hair loss, or alopecia, can affect the scalp or the entire body and may be temporary or permanent. It can result from genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, or aging. While men often experience receding hairlines and baldness, women can also face hair loss due to factors like thyroid issues, hormone...

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...