Pharmacogenomics: Why your DNA holds the key to better medication choices

This is GENETICS FOR HEALTHCARE—a podcast dedicated to helping patients and caregivers advocate for precision medicine in treatment, survivorship, disease screening, and prevention. #geneticsforhealthcare

In this podcast episode, Rome Madison and Kristine discuss pharmacogenomics (PGx), the study of how genetics influence individual responses to medications. Kristine explains that genetic variations influence liver enzymes in drug metabolism, causing differences in drug processing. PGx testing can prevent toxic buildup of prescription drugs, improve treatment outcomes, and save lives.

For example, some people may process medications too slowly causing a buildup of the drug in the body that can lead to fatal toxicity. Some people metabolize drugs or too quickly, eliminating the drug from the body too fast, leading to reduced effective ...