A blue-ribbon advisory committee to
the FDA has recommended genotyping patients at the beginning of Coumadin
(generic name warfarin) therapy to allow patients to be more quickly
stabilized at safe and effective dosage levels. The FDA committee points
out that genotyping by DNA testing can help to reduce potentially fatal and
serious adverse reactions to the drug.
Historically, achieving the correct dose of warfarin was a matter of
"trial and error" often requiring many months; leaving patients vulnerable
to deadly bleeding reactions or recurrent stroke, thromboembolism, or other
adverse clotting events.
According to the FDA, hemorrhage during warfarin therapy is a one of
the country's leading causes of death due to a prescribed drug and adverse
issues related to warfarin therapy are the cause of one in ten hospital
admissions. The new tests, offered by Genelex Corporation, allow physicians
to more accurately determine the correct warfarin dose. "This is a perfect
example of the new movement towards personalized medicine, based on the
individuals DNA, rather than prescription by trial and error. The age of
"one dose fits all" is ending," Genelex CEO Howard Coleman stated.
To help educate physicians and patients about the test, Genelex has
launched a new, free, Internet presentation that details how DNA tests can
reduce potentially fatal side effects connected to warfarin. The site also
includes computerized information to help patients AND physicians interpret
test results.
The Genelex test is simple, requiring no more effort than vigorously
rubbing the inside of the cheek with a cotton-tipped swab and sending it to
Genelex's laboratory for testing. No prescription is needed, and insurance
often pays for the test.
Many experts agree that the use of DNA testing will dramatically
improve the safety and efficacy of warfarin.
For further information, consumers can view the Coumadin (warfarin) Web
Seminar free of charge by going to Genelex. Information about test
purchase and interpretation of test results is also available at
Genelex. Further questions on this release should be directed to
Genelex CEO Howard Coleman, 800 523-3080.
Genelex Corporation
genelex
View drug information on Warfarin Sodium tablets.