When it comes to prescription medications, one size does not always fit all. What works for one person might not work for another for a variety of factors.
Pharmacogenomics, a groundbreaking field, uses DNA to predict how your body processes medications and potential side effects before you take them.
In the U.S., about 99% of individuals have genetic factors affecting medication metabolism. Without this knowledge, patients risk ineffective drug combinations or worse – adverse drug events.
In fact, death and illness from non-optimized medication therapy costs a staggering $528.4 billion yearly and ties with stroke as the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. With 55 million Americans taking five or more prescription drugs regularly, pharmacogenomics offers quicker, more effective treatments by eliminating drugs that don’t work for certain individuals.
At the Christ Hospital Health Network, specially trained pharmacists work alongside primary care providers in Greater Cincinnati, particularly with patients on multiple medications or chronic health conditions like heart failure or cancer. They recommend medication adjustments, integrate changes with the care team, and monitor their effectiveness.
For Medicare/Medicaid patients with two or more medications or suspected genetic issues, these services are free. Commercial payers provide variable coverage, with a maximum $250 out-of-pocket cost for self-paying individuals.
Want to learn more?
Visit the The Christ Hospital Network’s Genetic Testing and Pharmacogenomics Page.