Category Archives: Drug Safety

Drug Sensitivity and Genetics: What You Need to Know and Share with Your Doctor

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At some point in our lives, we are all more than likely going to be prescribed medications to treat an acute or chronic illness.  The way each of our bodies responds to drugs is different, and our genes play a role in this.  The science that predicts a response to drugs based on genetics is pharmacogenomics.

If you have ever read the labeling information about a new or existing drug that you or a family member have been prescribed, you have likely read about possible adverse events (side effects).  Pharmaceutical companies are starting to include pharmacogenomic data in their products’ labeling.  If you have had genetic testing done, the results can help your health care provider choose an appropriate drug therapy for you, as well as determine what an appropriate starting dose would be for those with sensitivities.

If you haven’t had genetic testing done, drug response information from your immediate family
members can be helpful for your doctor to know as well.  Talk to your siblings and parents about their health history. Tell you health care providers if you are discussing drug treatment and you have had personal genetic testing done. Likewise if you are aware of a certain drug sensitivity or positive response to a drug of a sibling or parent.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, there is an ongoing need for physicians to  educate themselves about pharmacogenomics.  If your physician is dismissive when you attempt to share this important information, you may need to look for a doctor who values informed patients who want to take an active role in their health care decisions.

 

 

Be safe when using OTC medications

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I don’t want to make any negative comments about any specific over-the-counter (OTC) medications out there, but I do want to stress how IMPORTANT it is to educate yourself about them before using them for your own safety.  For the purpose of this story, any medication that I talk about will be referred to as DrugX…

So I arrived at yoga class a few minutes early yesterday, and the instructor was there chatting with a few of the regular attendees.  She told us all that the class would be a little easier than usual because she was feeling under the weather.  She elaborated a bit on how she didn’t get much sleep and that she thought she was coming down with a cold.

Someone in class called out, “Have you tried DrugX?”
“No,” the teacher said.  “Is it good?”
“Oh yes,” the student replied.  “Someone told me about it in the locker room.  I tried it, and it really helped my cold.”
“I never try new over-the-counter cold medicines without talking to my doctor,” says the teacher, “but if you say it works then I’ll give it a try!”

A seemingly harmless and even helpful tidbit so it seemed, but my twelve years of experience as a drug safety professional had me cringing on my yoga mat!

First of all, DrugX is a brand-name that actually five or six products to choose from based on your symptoms.  All except one of the products is a combination product, meaning that it contains two or more ingredients to treat your cold symptoms.  Not everyone reads (or can see!) the tiny printed label on the back of the box called Drug Facts.  This contains important information like all of the active ingredients in the product, what the product’s intended use is, warnings, directions for use, etc.

PLEASE NOTE:  THIS LABEL HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE ‘DRUGX’ THAT I MENTION IN THE STORY.  I PULLED THIS FROM THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA) WEBSITE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY!

Second, when the teacher began to talk about her symptoms, none of the 5 or 6 products in that brand family are actually used to treat her specific symptoms!  So, she would have been taking something that wouldn’t have made her feel any better and could have in fact made her symptoms worsen.

Honestly, most OTC medications are safe if used as directed.  However, if you are taking any other prescription or OTC meds please talk to your doctor or the pharmacist to determine if the new medication is right for you.

One last tidbit… OTC meds come in all forms — eye & ear drops, those taken orally, and even creams applied topically.  Be careful not to exceed the recommended dosage of a particular ingredient if you are using both an oral and a topical medication to treat a symptom or symptoms to avoid a potential overdose.

If you have been taking an OTC medication for several days and your condition is not improving, you should consult your doctor.  Always consult your doctor before taking any medication if you are pregnant or nursing.

Wishing you wellness!