A monthly column by Janan Arslan that explored what genome science is uncovering about each individual's unique response to drugs and pharmaceuticals. Janan is a graduate student and pharmacogenomics researcher with a keen interest in personalised medicine.
With the prevalence of Parkinson's disease set to increase by 4% every year, pharmacogenomics is helping to improve the quality of life for patients.
Pharmacogenomics really has expanded to all areas of medicine, even dentistry. So there’s no need to lose your nerve when you have to get your teeth checked.
Our furry friends need to take icky medicinal treatments, as well. Understanding their genetic predisposition to drugs can provide them with the comfort they oh-so-deserve.
The CYPs are the cool genes on the block in pharmacogenomics testing, but in the background you’ll find a quiet but high achiever — the UGT1A1 gene.
Even after death, pharmacogenomics can tell us how particular genetic variants cause fatal drug reactions.
Although only a minority of people have a genetic variant for the TPMT gene, these patients face a high risk of death if prescribed thiopurine drugs.
Although warfarin is a commonly prescribed drug for reducing blood clots, predicting its individual effects can be a tricky business.
Pharmacogenomic tests are an extremely useful tool for prescribing medication – so why isn’t every doctor on the bandwagon?
Australia is one of the highest consumers of antidepressants, but these medications can have unwanted side effects if not used wisely.
Before you reach for that bottle of pain medication, it's worth knowing how your genes affect the efficacy of pain relief.
Pythagoras' crippling fear of fava beans ultimately cost him his life, but also founded a now-booming field of medical research.
As this column comes to an end, it’s time that we empowered patients by teaching them about pharmacogenomics.