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Pharmacogenetics and Alzheimers

Jim McWhirter talks about how pharmacogenetics can help address key clinical concerns such as falls, dementia, pain, sleep and more. For more information, contact PGx Medical at 405-509-5112 or info@pgxmed.com

 

Testimonials: Pharmacogenetic Testing

Below are testimonials we’ve received from doctors, directors of nursing, pharmacists and government officials regarding our medication management program, via pharmacogenetic testing.

PGx Medical is the trusted and experienced resource for the implementation of pharmacogenetics in the field of aging services.

Pharmacogenetics aligns current and future medication with each persons unique genetic profile.

As we work alongside long-term care communities, clinics and pharmacies, we have the privilege of receiving success stories on how pharmacogenetics has impacted residents, patients, family and staff.

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Pharmacogenetic Testing Addresses Clinical Concerns Such As Falls, Dementia, Sleep, Pain And Overall Staff Efficiencies.

We recently implemented pharmacogenetic testing and feel it is very easy to administer.  The test results are helpful when dosing or treating our residents, and saves our staff time and frustration as providers by making sure our patients are on the correct medications.  On average, approximately 90% of our patients need a dose change, med change or to discontinue a medication after testing.

We had one patient we had tried so many SSRI/SNRIs and after her PGx test, we were able to find the right medication regimen and now she feels great!  We would recommend this program to anyone who has patients on multiple medications.  ~Rachel Moore, PA-C~

I have found the pharmacogenetic test to be very useful for patients in my clinic practice as well as my nursing home patients.  It is quick to use!  In fact, my nurses do all of the work and then they go thru the results and alert me of the medications that are less likely to work for those patients.  It takes no time for me at all! The paperwork is very minimal and nurses can fill it out.  It takes less than a minute to swab the inside of both cheeks.  Then it gets mailed off and the results come back in just a few days.

I had a patient in my clinic that had seen multiple doctors, a psychiatrist and several counselors for her depression.  She had tried many medications to help her depression but she complained that none of them made her feel better.  We did a pharmacogenetic test and found out that the patient had a gene mutation that kept ALL of the antidepressants from working.  No wonder she never felt better with the medications!  From the test results we found some alternative medications that could be used to treat her depression.  She was so relieved that there was a really good reason for the previous anti-depressants not to work.

I had a patient who had shoulder surgery who kept complaining that the Hydrocodone did not help his pain.  The Naproxen actually did better in controlling his pain.  We did a pharmacogenetic test and found out that Hydrocodone does not work well for his pain but Naproxen works best.  This is helpful information if he ever has to use pain medication again.

I had a patient who complained that his pain meds were not working at all and would ask for more and more.  I suspected he was a drug seeker but could not prove it.  We did a pharmacogenetic test on him and discovered ALL of the narcotics work well for him.  We now know he is a drug seeker and treat him appropriately.

The PGx Medical Pharmacogenetic test is helpful if a patient is not responding to a medication as well as we think they should.  This helps us chose appropriate medications that are more likely to work and avoid those that may cause problems for the patient.  It is very helpful with resistant depression, psychosis and ADHD medication failures.  I am even starting to use the testing first before prescribing any medication.  Patients love the testing because we can avoid the medications that are not likely to work or those that could cause adverse reactions; they get on the right medications quicker with less trial and error. Insurances like it because it saves them money by getting quicker results without multiple medication changes.

Nursing Home surveyors encourage nursing homes to use the pharmacogenetic testing on patients to try to keep patients off of multiple medications and to use those that work well.  It also decreases the adverse reactions and helps keep patients off of anti-psychotics or at least on minimal doses of anti-psychotics.  ~ Dr. Jami Benton ~

“The PGx Medical pharmacogenetic test program has yielded great results at our home. It is now a fully implemented tool my clinical staff reviews with all of our residents. The reports are easy to understand with clear actionable recommendations. I am thankful we were allowed to be the first to have such a tool to use here at our home. Each resident deserves our very best.”~Treva, MD~

 “Seems too good to be true, but always produces positive results.  I utilize the testing daily now in my practice.  For Geriatrics provides the tool for easy medication adjustments.  The reports are not complex. Very beneficial for identifying the effectiveness of analgesics in residents who are unable to communicate.  There are residents that we may have labeled as ‘drug seekers’, and when the DNA test report is returned we discover that the analgesic they were prescribed is not being metabolized in their body and they are getting no relief from their pain.  So they have legitimate pain and the analgesic has not been effective in reducing their pain.  This test only has to be performed on each resident one time in their life.  That makes it very cost effective.  And the reimbursement process has been very easy.  The families love it!  It tells them exactly what their loved one metabolizes and what is best for them”.  The DNA Test results give confidence to the residents that they are being prescribed the correct medications.  Yes, would highly recommend this program!  CMS should mandate the test for all residents on Antipsychotics!” ~Dr. Mike M, Long Term Care Physician~

“It is important to me to ensure that each of our veterans in all of our State VA homes are cared for on an individual basis. I was excited to learn of the potential the PGx Medical Pharmacogenetic Program offered and I brought it forward to our administrative and clinical teams, as it seemed to be a ‘no brainer’ for our homes to implement. I’ve heard nothing but positive results and praises of both the Program and PGx Medical.” ~Maj Gen (ret) Secretary of Military and Veterans Affairs~

“This DNA Testing has been a Win-Win for both the residents and families!  By utilizing the DNA test results we know exactly which medication is effective for the residents.  It is a tremendous cost saver on medications.  Not all people that we think are ‘pain seekers’ really are.  We had one resident that kept begging for more and more pain meds.  We did the DNA Swab Test on her and the test revealed that she was metabolizing zero percent of the pain medication.  So she was truly in pain.  We are such Believers in this program!  It is a wonderful Marketing Tool!  We can advertise that we provide the best care possible for residents on these medications!”~Brenda W.  Clinical Manager~

“I was privileged to introduce the PGx Medical Pharmacogenetic Testing Program to the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs. As a State Representative, I felt this program was in the best interest of each of our Veterans living in the seven ODVA homes, and to those who are in the homes caring for and assisting them everyday. This program has been exceptional and has produced wonderful results while helping the homes practice a level of personalized care that was previously unattainable.  The program has also been clinically and economically beneficial to veterans living in homes.”~State Representative~

“I perform about 20 of the DNA Tests a week.  The results are a tremendous help in my practice.  The DNA Report provides an objective list to choose from to help my patients.  Not knowing the metabolic profile of the patients increases the risk of side effects.  It is hit and miss without the test.  There is no trial and error period when you use the DNA swab testing.  It allows me to select from a list of medications that will help my patients.  I recommend this program to many other Doctors and patients.  It gives you an individualized report with objective information to correctly order the right medication.”~Dr. Timothy B, Pain Management Specialist~

“We initiated this DNA Testing program in response to the CMS Directive to reduce our Antipsychotic usage.  Through the metabolic reports, we have identified that residents were receiving antipsychotics that were actually adverse for them.  These residents have shown a marked improvement in abilities and a reduction in side effects.  The residents are doing so much better now that they are off these medications.  The Family members are very excited about the results.  All the medication changes have been positive.  When the swab reports come back we have been amazed.  We then understand why the residents have been exhibiting behaviors and mood swings.  This program is very individualized.  It has positive results for everyone, but first and foremost the residents.  Our Administrator Markets this DNA Testing as a great program for our residents and the facilities.  We have multiple Physicians that see our residents.  Some of the Physicians were skeptical at first, but now they are really happy with the results.  When we had our Survey, we had signed up with AssureRx but had not put the program into place.  The Surveyors asked that we write a letter for them to take back to their Office about out Pending DNA Antipsychotic Program.  They were so interested that the Surveyor called back and asked if we would fax them copies of the results.  The Surveyor stated their Supervisors were very impressed with the individualized data provided.”~Jennifer H., Director of Nursing~

 “The PGx Pharmacogenetic Test was easy for us to see the clinical value it offers, even before implemented. The implementation process that PGx offered was very simple, with very little interruption to our staff.  As a pharmacist, the information is extremely valuable on my monthly med reviews and for all new residents upon admission. It helps address the issues of polypharmacy, unnecessary medications and more importantly is another tool to help assure that  our residents are getting the best therapy for them.  It is a great tool for any pharmacist to have.”~Valarie, DHP~

For more information on how you can implement pharmacogenetics into your community, clinic or pharmacy, contact us at:

PGx Medical
Empowerment at the Source of Treatment
Individualized Care – Personalized Medicine
405-509-5112
info@pgxmed.com

Depression and Medication

Antidepressants are an unusual class of drugs that often take multiple tries to ensure a patient receives the right medication, at the right dosage, and with few if any, side effects.

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Pharmacogenomics helps eliminate “trial and error” when treating depression

When it comes to depression, as a provider, you don’t have a lot of time to experiment.  You want to help your patient as quickly as possible get the relief they need to start living a normal life again.  But depression medications are tricky.  Sometimes it takes three or four medications for weeks at a time to find one that works for that patient.  In the meantime, the depression is still there, and sometimes worse due to the side effects of the drugs you are trying.

Wouldn’t it be much easier to know for sure that a medication “fits” that patients genetic profile?  This does multiple things.

  1. It eliminates the “trial and error” process.  The old way to prescribe meds – let’s try this drug for 3-4 weeks and if it doesn’t work, come back and we’ll try something else.
  2. Let’s the provider know if there is a chance for drug-on-drug interactions potentially saving a trip to the hospital or worse, harmful side effects.
  3. By knowing what medication works for each unique individual, it helps the patient get better, quickly, which is the end goal.

Getting patients off a non-successful drug and then trying another one just lengthens the amount of time a patient has difficulty coping and returning to normal day-to-day activities.

Pharmacogenomics is changing that.  This simple swab of the cheek can help guide healthcare professionals in proper prescribing.  This test gives us hope not only for current medications but also gives providers a roadmap for future medications.

For more information on pharmacogenetic testing, or to schedule an educational webinar or speaker for your next meeting or conference, contact PGx Medical, 405-509-5112 or email info@pgxmed.com.

Diagnostic Testing: Healthcare of the Future

Diagnostic testing is becoming faster and more cost-effective in healthcare

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Precision Medicine:
Diagnostic Testing of the Future

Personalized medicine is rapidly advancing, according to an article in sanvada.com.  This technology allows for custom treatment according to a patient’s DNA.  Personalized medicines in 2015 accounted for forty-two percent of every drug in development.  When discerning optimal treatment for a person, Precision treatment utilizes diagnostic tests as well as the patient’s family and personal histories of health.

Along with the creation of quicker diagnostic testing, medical providers will make faster adjustments to treatment while providing positive outcomes; this would provide potential noticeable reductions with treatment.

PGx Medical is the trusted and experienced resource for the implementation of molecular diagnostic testing in the field of aging services. These tests align current and future medications with each person’s unique genetic profile. Our process impacts quality by addressing top clinical concerns such as falls, dementia, sleep, pain, med management and overall staff efficiencies.

For more information, contact PGx Medical at 405-509-5112 or email info@pgxmed.com

Long-Term Care Is Costly, Your Medication Shouldn’t Be

Long-Term Care may be costly, but your medications shouldn’t be.

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Polypharmacy is a growing concern in the elderly population

Prescription drugs are a major component of the overall cost of caring for the elderly. Persons sixty-five and older spend an average of over three percent of their income on prescription drugs. That percentage is even higher when over-the-counter medications are included. While Medicare Part D pays for some medications for those enrolled in a plan, it is reported that over sixty-five percent of seniors’ prescription costs are out-of-pocket.

The average annual cost of prescription drugs widely used by the elderly increased from $5,571 in 2006 to $11,341 in 2013, according to a study on drug price trends conducted by AARP.

According to CBSnews.com, Medicare isn’t allowed by law to negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies. With about 38 million people in its Part D prescription coverage, Medicare covered a massive $121.4 billion worth of drugs in 2014, the latest year for which data is available.

When looking for a long-term care community for a family member or yourself, there are many factors to take into consideration.  How will I pay for this is probably first and foremost.  But you might want to ask yourself, do they have clinical staff available?  How do they handle medication?  Will my loved one be given something they don’t need that may do more harm than good?

Many retirees think that Medicare will pay for their long-term care. Unfortunately, this is not true and often one of the biggest misconceptions. Although Medicare covers some home and nursing home care, it is only for rehabilitation purposes and not categorized as long-term.

As long-term care continues to rise, so do medications.  Below are a few medications that have increased over the years and the amount paid by Medicare.

Abilify – This psychiatric drug helps Americans with the treatment of a number of issues including bipolar disorder and depression.  Generated about $4.9 billion in sales in 2014, according to The Wall Street Journal.  Medicare represented about half of those sales. The program shelled out about $2.5 billion on Abilify in 2014. Medicare spent $853 on each prescription, an increase of 17 percent from the prior year when Abilify prescriptions cost about $730 each.

Lyrica – This pain medication jumped 45 percent on a per-prescription basis between 2014 and 2013, according to Medicare data.  The increase meant Medicare spent $1.4 billion on Lyrica in 2014, compared with $1.07 billion in the previous year.
Now there is a diagnostic test that can help determine if your body can even metabolize these medications, or if you are spending thousands of dollars on medications that don’t even have the ability to work based on your genetic profile.  It’s call pharmacogenetics testing.  This simple swab of the cheek can help save money on unnecessary medications, re-hospitalizations due to adverse drug events, and helps you or a loved one live a better quality of life knowing you are on the right medication.

According to an article in the latimes.com, the nation’s healthcare tab will continue to outpace economic growth over the next decade, and it is driven by rising prices for drugs and medical services,

By 2026, healthcare spending will account for almost one-fifth of the U.S. economy, an all-time record.  The U.S. has the highest medical prices in the world, research indicates.

If you would like more information on pharmacogenetics testing for you, your long-term care community, clinic or pharmacy, contact PGx Medical.  Your trusted and experienced resource for the implementation of pharmacogenetics in the field of aging services.

PGx Medical
info@pgxmed.com
405-509-5112
www.pgxmed.com

source:  payingforseniorcare.com, latimes.com, cbsnews.com

BabyBoomers in Action: Part Two

Welcome to Part Two of a two-part series on BabyBoomers in Action!

Jim McWhirter, the owner of Wellington Parke Retirement Community and host of BabyBoomers in Action, sits down with Dr. Rafael Justiz, Oklahoma Pain Physicians and Clay Bullard, President of PGx Medical to discuss how your DNA can help determine the right medicine for your unique genetic profile, via pharmacogenetics testing.

Are you tired of trial and error?  Hear how pharmacogenetics testing can help reduce trial and error and improve quality of life!

For more information on pharmacogenetics testing:

Oklahomapainphysicians.com
PGxmed.com

BabyBoomers in Action: Part One

Welcome to Part One of a two-part series of BabyBoomers in Action!

Jim McWhirter, owner of Wellington Parke Retirement Community and host of BabyBoomers in Action, sits down with Dr. Rafael Justiz, Oklahoma Pain Physicians and Clay Bullard, President of PGx Medical to discuss how your DNA can help determine the right medicine for your unique genetic profile, via pharmacogenetics testing.

For more information on pharmacogenetics testing:

Oklahomapainphysicians.com
PGxmed.com

Cardiovascular: How do you know when your meds aren’t working?

Drugs are widely used and highly effective in the treatment of heart disease. Nevertheless, in some instances, even drugs effective in a population display lack of efficacy or adverse drug reactions in individual patients, often in an apparently unpredictable fashion. ~ncbi

alt = "cardiovascular meds"Drugs used to treat cardiovascular conditions are among the most widely prescribed therapies worldwide.  So what if they aren’t working?  What if your body doesn’t have the ability to metabolize them the way the drug manufacturer intended?  When would you find out?

Unfortunately, in some cases, you may not know your medication isn’t working until you have a cardiac event.

Now you can use a simple tool called pharmacogenetics and know if your body can metabolize critical cardio medications including clopidogrel, warfarin, simvastatin and other statins.

A number of providers are using pharmacogenetics testing as a ‘preemptive’ approach in which multiple genotypes relevant to the action of many drugs are inserted in electronic medical record systems long before the specific drugs such as clopidogrel, warfarin or tacrolimus are prescribed.  By being proactive, you can help in long-term patient care and not only use patient-specific information for medications they are taking today but use pharmacogenetics testing as a roadmap for the future.

Pharmacogenetics is being used in clinics, pharmacies, and long-term care communities across the country.  By being proactive and leaving the “trial and error” way of prescribing behind, the future of healthcare has some exciting changes ahead and patients are going to see more personalized care and patient-centered decisions being made concerning their individual health.

For more information on implementing pharmacogenetics, or to schedule a free educational webinar, contact:  PGx Medical, info@pgxmed.com or 405-509-5112.

source:  ncbi.com