In the past, medicine relied heavily on physicians'
experiences and prescribing contained an element
of “trial and error” due to the varied individual response within a population.
In the current post genomic era, this approach would not be optimal and a systematic, evidence-based approach has emerged as a
solution to integrate the best research evidence with clinical expertise, and,
patient values and expectations. Preferably, medication prescribing decisions
are based not only on population data, but also on the individual patient’s
genetic profile and drug metabolizing characteristics. Pharmacogenomics is the
study of how the genetic makeup of an individual affects the efficacy and toxicity of drugs and can help move us closer towards the goal
of “personalized medicine”.
For fans of evidence based medicine, check it out at :
