Genetic testing to predict medication side effects

Medication side effects are a big problem. It’s estimated that about half of filled prescriptions are not taken as directed, and a major reason for this is side effects. If you’ve ever had diarrhea, felt sleepy, or developed a rash after taking a new medication, you know how unpleasant side effects can be. And sometimes […]
How your genes affect your reaction to drugs

By Charis Eng, M.D., Ph.D. Your doctor prescribes a medication. If you have a high risk of negative side effects, do you ask for something else instead? If you know the drug won’t work well for you, do you request more options? These questions aren’t just hypothetical. They’re at the heart of pharmacogenomics. Pharmacogenomics is […]
The Medicine Cabinet-Ask the Harvard Experts: Sexual side effects vary based on type of blood pressure drug

By Howard LeWine, M.D., Tribune Content Agency Q: I recently started a new blood pressure medicine. I know that some of them cause erectile dysfunction in men, but my problem is low sex drive. Is this a side effect of the drug? A: Sexual problems are one of the most common side effects from drugs […]