USFDA Committee Recommends Simple DNA Tests To Patients Prior to Coumadin (Warfarin) Prescription

Filed in archive Diagnostics , Treatment on November 20, 2006

Coumadin (warfarin), a product of Bristol-Myers Squibb, is a prescription oral anticoagulant with the following side effects: deadly bleeding reactions or recurrent stroke, thromboembolism, or other adverse clotting events and hemmorhage.

In the past, achieving the correct dose of warfarin is a matter of trial and error that leaves patients vulnerable to the side effects.

This would not be a problem anymore as a FDA blue-ribbon advisory committee is now recommending genotyping patients first before the start of warfarin therapy in order to help reduce potentially fatal and serious adverse reactions to the drug.

The new DNA tests offered by Genelex Corporation will allow Physicians to more accurately determine the correct warfarin dose.

According to Genelex CEO Howard Coleman:

"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."

Find more details from the press release (a pdf file). Click here for more info on warfarin DNA test.