Can My Genes Affect How I React to Painkillers?
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Have you ever taken a common painkiller like paracetamol or ibuprofen, but experienced unexpected side effects—or no effect at all? It’s frustrating, confusing, and sometimes even dangerous. What many don’t realize is that our response to medication isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your genes play a critical role in how your body processes and reacts to drugs.
The DNA Behind Drug Response
This is where Pharmacogenomics comes in. It’s the science of how your genetic makeup influences your body’s response to medications. For example:
- The CYP2C9 gene can affect how quickly your liver breaks down ibuprofen.
- The UGT1A1 gene impacts how you metabolize paracetamol.
- The CYP2C19 gene is linked to how your body responds to certain blood-thinners and antiplatelet drugs.
Why This Matters in Malaysia
In a diverse population like Malaysia’s—with Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous genetic backgrounds—drug response can vary widely. What works well for one person might lead to side effects or poor results for another. With the rise of long-term medication use for pain, cholesterol, blood pressure, or chronic inflammation, knowing how your genes influence drug metabolism can improve safety and effectiveness.
What You Can Do
With a one-time Pharmacogenomics test, you can:
- Identify potential adverse reactions before they happen
- Reduce trial-and-error in finding the right drug or dose
- Share the report with your doctor to guide long-term prescriptions
The test is non-invasive (just a cheek swab), analyzed by certified labs, and interpreted by trained healthcare professionals.
