Pharmacogenomics is an emerging field of medicine that studies how an individual’s genetic makeup affects their response to a particular drug. This involves performing genetic testing to assess changes in specific genes, typically using a blood sample or cheek swab. Technicians analyze the DNA present in the sample to identify any genetic changes.
Pharmacogenomics enables physicians to prescribe therapeutics with fewer side effects by developing medications based on the patient’s genomic profile. This rapidly growing field has recently been applied to a limited number of health conditions, such as certain cancers, depression, HIV, and heart diseases. Pharmacogenomics is considered a part of precision medicine, optimizing treatment based on the individual’s physiology, leading to safer and more efficient disease management.