Drug Interactions Newsletter

Volume 1, Issue 35, 09/15/2009

Question

What factors are known to influence the biologic response to drug therapy that all healthcare providers should take into consideration?

Answer

The approach to drug therapy, or pharmacotherapy, requires that all healthcare providers recognize the number of commonly known factors that can influence the biologic response to drug therapy.  This is important given that the impact adverse drug events can have on both patients and the healthcare system.  For example, the Institute of Medicine reported estimated rates of 1.5 million for preventable adverse drug events (ADE) annually (that's approximately 1 ADE every 3 minutes), which account for up to 5% of hospitalizations and $3.5 billion in hospital costs.(1)  Other studies have shown that up to 60% of hospitalized patients at discharge had predefined drug interactions with 6.5% of such drug interactions being considered severe.(2)  Lastly, 15% of elderly patients hospitalized had interacting medications added within the previous week of admission.3  All of these reports highlight the significance of this problem and provide the rational for why healthcare providers should consider both genetic and environmental (nongenetic) factors when coming up with a diagnosis and treatment plan.4,5 

As we review the various factors involved that can influence the biologic response to drug therapy, healthcare providers should recognize the fact that many drug interactions and adverse drug events are....

......To read the full answer please LOGIN or SUBSCRIBE NOW.