Time for a repeat of last year’s 12 Days of Christmas Education on Pharmacogenomics and Nutrigenomics. If you aren’t quite sure what these are, stay tuned to learn more over the next 12 days!
Following a heart attack, especially one with stent placement, there is about an 80% chance you will be prescribed clopidogrel. Clopidogrel is also known as Plavix.
An enzyme called CYP2C19 is the main one responsible for activating clopidogrel. If you do not make adequate amounts of this enzyme, you do not properly activate clopidogrel, leaving you at risk for another heart attack or potentially a stroke.
The risk for being a poor metabolizer of CYP2C19 is highest among Central/South Asian, East Asian and Oceanian populations. However, anyone can be a poor metabolizer for CYP2C19. The only way to find out is through a pharmacogenomic (PGx) test. This can be accomplished through a simple cheek swab, no blood draw needed!
Wouldn’t you prefer to have this information before you need it?