Rite Aid First offering genetic testing
The Harmonyx® Test for Pain examines five key pharmacokinetic genes implicated in pain management: CYP2B6 is responsible for the metabolism of the most active metabolite of methadone; CYP2C9 is responsible for the metabolism of most NSAID pain medications; CYP2C19 has been linked to the metabolism of carisoprodol, a skeletal muscle relaxant; CYP2D6 has been shown to have a significant effect on the body’s ability to metabolize the opioids oxycodone, codeine, and tramadol; and CYP3A4/A5 affect the body’s ability to metabolize fentanyl.
The test also provides genotypes for COMT and OPRM1, two pharmacodynamic genes which have been linked to the therapeutic response of patients taking opioid medications.
You can use our test to identify your patients’ genotypes, then consult with their physician to find an effective treatment plan.
http://www.harmonyxdiagnostics.com/patient/
Filed under: General Problems
My question is, why aren’t doctors offices using these tests to determine the best treatment? For the past 7 years all my treatment methods have been determined by Hit and Miss Medicine. Even know my current treatment helps to keep my pain limited to livable, it’s just barely.
Also, why are doctors note longer preforming examinations? I haven’t really had even a true range of motion exam in since 2013, I just continue to go to my doctors appointments just to get prescriptions filled but I’m charged for a full examination with every 10 minute visit. I continually express concern about more pain in different locations of your spine but just get told that it’s just fatigue from favoring both my lower back and neck. Then I don’t want to look for a new doctor for fear of losing the medications I’m currently taking.
It just seems like I’m paying for the dinner but only getting the pictures on the menu. I do understand that doctors now have to cut certain corners because they now have to see all their patients more than what they used to but that’s not reason for minimizing treatment.