In 2025, I was presented with two wonderful opportunities to chat with fellow colleagues on their podcasts. First up, fellow pharmacist Saba Arshad and her Transform 360 Podcast. We spoke a little about my career as a genetic counselor, pharmacist and entrepreneur. Saba and I also dove briefly into MTHFR and how it has been […]
pharmacogenomics
Day 12 of 12 – PGx and NGx Education
Day 12 of 12 Education: MTHFR. What did you say? Is that some new abbreviated way of cursing? No, but it sometimes feels like it. As a genetic counselor who had to start dealing with all the MTHFR variants showing up in prenatal clinic 25 years ago, I developed a real love/hate relationship with this […]
Day 11 of 12 – PGx and NGx Education
Day 11 of 12 Education: It is estimated that 1 in 5 adults in the US are dealing with mental illness. There is a myriad of medications on the market to treat depression, anxiety, bipolar and other mental health conditions. How does a prescriber decide what to try? Multiple aspects are considered, such as the […]
Day 9 of 12 – PGx and NGx Education
Day 9 of 12 Education: Dextromethorphan also known as the “DM” found in many cough and cold products is metabolized and inactivated in the body by an enzyme called CYP2D6. The normal “half-life” or time it takes for the level of DM in a person’s body to be reduced by half is 2 to 4 […]
Day 7 of 12 – PGx and NGx Education
Day 7 of 12 Education: It is estimated that cancer will affect 1 in 3 women and 1 in 2 men during their lifetime. Breast and colon are two very common cancers. Both types of cancer are often treated with a drug called a “fluoropyrimidine” such as capecitabine (Xeloda) and 5-fluorouracil that disrupts DNA and […]
Day 5 of 12 – PGx and NGx Education
Day 5 of 12 Education: PPIs, also known as proton pump inhibitors, are one of the most widely used medications on the market. PPIs are available over the counter and by prescription. They include omeprazole (Prilosec), esomeprazole (Nexium), pantoprazole (Protonix), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (AcipHex), dexlansoprazole (Dexilant). Several PPIs are metabolized by CYP2C19. If you are […]
Day 3 of 12 – PGx and NGx Education
Day 3 of 12 Education: Our genetics play an important role in how we respond to pain medication, including opioids. Have you ever known someone who says codeine does nothing for their pain? Or perhaps you know someone who says codeine makes them feel really sick and out of it? Codeine itself can be a […]
Day 1 of The 12 Days of Pharmacogenomics and Nutrigenomics Education
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! Day 1 of 12 Education: There are more than half a million heart attacks in the United States each year. […]
Chemotherapy can be deadly due to your DNA
Most pharmacogenomic tests include the DPYD gene. This gene affects the ability to process certain chemotherapies that are commonly used in treating colorectal cancer, metastatic breast cancer and others. It is estimated that about 1300 people die each year in the US because they are given 5-fluorouracil or capecitabine without being properly tested first. In […]
Patient Testimonials
Looking back on 2023, I am thankful for the patients who trusted me to assist them with their medication issues and allowed me to do what I am passionate about…pharmacogenomics! I look forward to helping more of you in 2024!! Parent S of child, “I just can’t thank you enough for helping us out! I […]