A Giggle-How many of you didn't know this?

[Ross]

Obviously, the dosing stupidity is at an all time high.


MedWatch - The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program

FDA approved updated labeling to include pharmacogenomics information to
the CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, PRECAUTIONS, and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
sections of the prescribing information for the widely used
blood-thinning drug, Coumadin. This new information explains that
people's genetic makeup may influence how they respond to the drug.
Specifically, people with variations in two genes may need lower
warfarin doses than people without these genetic variations. The two
genes are called CYP2C9 and VKORC1. The CYP2C9 gene is involved in the
breakdown (metabolism) of warfarin and the VKORC1 gene helps regulate
the ability of warfarin to prevent blood from clotting.

The dosage and administration of warfarin must be individualized for
each patient according to the particular patient's prothrombin time (PT)
/ International Normalized Ratio (INR) response to the drug. The
specific dose recommendations are described in the warfarin product
labeling, along with the new information regarding the impact of genetic
information upon the initial dose and the response to warfarin. Ongoing
warfarin therapy should be guided by continued INR monitoring.

Read the complete MedWatch 2007 Safety summary, including a link to the
FDA Drug Information Page, at:

http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2007/safety07.htm#Warfarin

 

[catwoman]

No kiddin'!

No kiddin'!

Does it really matter in the long run of the universe whether you have either of these genes?

Or whether you are a vegetarian, exercise a lot, etc.???

Your dose is based on your INR. Period. No need to know about genes, since you can't turn them on/off, like you can change your diet, exercise regimens, activity levels, etc.

 

[Ross]

So, do you think we will be required to get this gene test so the doctors can better "manage" our warfarin? Just kidding.

Rachel believe it or not, they insist this gene thing is predictible. We even had a company on here advertising for testing once upon a time.

 

[tobagotwo]

If that don't leave yer eyes as big as a fryin' pan, what will?

Best wishes,

 

[MarkU]

Further testing just discovered that I have the "short & slow" gene - now I know for certain why I never made it to the NBA...

Mark

 

[Marty]

Does it really matter in the long run of the universe whether you have either of these genes?

Or whether you are a vegetarian, exercise a lot, etc.???

Your dose is based on your INR. Period. No need to know about genes, since you can't turn them on/off, like you can change your diet, exercise regimens, activity levels, etc.

I sort of agree with Marsha. This gene thing won't help much in the routine management of the individual patient. However it does get the doctors attention and they will learn more about warfarin administration. In fact, I find the young doctors at my clinic much more knowledgable than they used to be.