Clinical Pharmacogenetics in the Current Pharmacy Practice

Pharmacist Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this continuing education activity, the participant will be able to:

1. Define pharmacogenetics, pharmacogenes and pharmacogenomics

2. Explain genotyping models and the impact of pharmacogenetics on drug efficacy and toxicity

3. List the genetic variations that contribute to variability in drug response

4. Discuss the effect of pharmacogenetics on the dosing of the oral antiplatelet clopidogrel and oral anticoagulant warfarin

Pharmacy Technician Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this continuing education activity, the participant will be able to:

1. Review the basics of pharmacogenetics

2. Describe how pharmacogenetics concepts can be applied in pharmacy practice

3. List the current drugs that utilize pharmacogenetics for its proper use

There is a significant increase in the number of drugs in the market that require genetic sequencing to determine the eligibility of the patient, to adjust the dose or to minimize the risk of toxicity. The knowledge of hospitals and community pharmacists in this field is limited and requires continuous updates by informing them about theproper use of the new drugs that require genotyping. The activity will discuss the basics and current applications in clinical pharmacogenetics and provide examples in the form of patient cases to facilitate understanding and appreciation of the topic.