And what does it mean for me? After President Obama announced the Administration’s Precision Medicine Initiative in his January, 2015 State of the Union Address, internet searches for “precision medicine” have more than doubled. With all of this new buzz around precision medicine, you may be wondering exactly what it is and what it means for you. The aim of … Read More
Most of us are not normal…
Recent data suggests that most of us are not normal when it comes to drug metabolism because of our genetics. In a recent retrospective analysis published in the American Journal of Health-Systems Pharmacy, the authors found that only 7% of over 14,000 patients tested were normal metabolizers for all five of the main drug metabolizing enzyme pathways (i.e., CYP2D6, CYP2C19, … Read More
Genelex receives Innovative Technology Designation from Vizient, Inc. for YouScript®
Designation recognizes the development of new solutions that benefit the health care industry Seattle, WA; January 27, 2015 – Genelex announced its YouScript® Precision Prescribing analytics software has received Innovative Technology designation from Vizient, Inc., formerly Novation, the largest member-owned health care company in the country. The designation was based on reviews of YouScript by hospital experts who attended Vizient’s … Read More
Patricia’s Story
“As both a Mental Health Therapist and a patient, I really believe drug sensitivity testing should be done for everyone. “ My name is Patricia. In 2005 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a right mastectomy. After undergoing a successful surgery, I began experiencing an unfamiliar feeling. Immediately after the surgery, I was in intense pain. Shortly after … Read More
What to Watch for When Taking Dietary or Herbal Supplements
Have you ever taken a vitamin, herbal product or supplement? You’re not alone. In fact, an estimated one-quarter, up to one-half, of adults taking prescription medications also take dietary supplements according to an article by Mayo Clinic Staff. Have you ever wondered if there are any safety concerns with taking one of these products? Most people assume that vitamins and … Read More
A Mother’s Story: Avoiding My Baby’s Potential Overdose
“…the possibility he could have suffered a horrible consequence is very real.” –Sarah Zeller Full disclosure: I am currently employed by Genelex Corporation and have been since 2011. However, I am writing this piece first and foremost as a patient and as a mother. In 2012, I was pregnant with my first child. I had not completed the pharmacogenetic testing … Read More
Tamoxifen and CYP2D6 Interactions
CYP2D6 gene testing for personalizing tamoxifen therapy has been a source of confusion and debate for over a decade. In addition to conflicting outcomes data on breast cancer recurrence rates in women with deficient CYP2D6 enzyme activity (i.e., CYP2D6 Intermediate and Poor Metabolizers) treated with tamoxifen, significant controversy exists around the methodology for using tumor cell DNA to estimate the … Read More
Remembering Dr. David Flockhart
As a provider of drug interaction clinical decision support and predictive analytics, we recognize that our efforts would not be possible without the scientists and clinicians who’ve spent thousands of hours during the last half century conducting research, discovering mechanisms and finding solutions for preventing adverse drug events (ADE). One person in particular has had a tremendous influence on the current … Read More
Time to rethink long-term use of common heart medications?
Is it time to reconsider long-term use of four large classes of cardiovascular drugs? In a review article recently published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the authors address this very question. The authors focus their review on the “big four” types of medications used (often in combination) to treat coronary heart disease: aspirin, beta-blockers, statins and … Read More
Naloxone: A way back from an opioid overdose
Naloxone, a medication used to pull individuals from the brink of an opioid overdose, can save lives. That’s the message government agencies and medical societies are broadcasting as they strengthen calls to increase access to this prescription drug, known as an opioid antagonist. Naloxone counters the effects of opioids and can reverse an opioid overdose in minutes. Opioid abuse and … Read More