In this post, I talked about how changes in your DNA can affect the enzymes that break down medications.
Today I will talk about another way your DNA can change how your medication works.
When you take medication, your body first has to absorb it.
Transporters and receptors bring medications into the cells of your body.
An easy way to think about this is to envision your home as a cell in your body.
The door to your home allows you in and out of your home. Transporters are like doors and allow things to pass in and out of the cells in your body.
When your door is locked, you put your key in the door knob, turn it, and you're able to walk through the door.
Receptors are like the door knob on your door.
Medications can bind to receptors on cells and a change happens. Your DNA determines how well these transporters and receptors work in your body.
Changes in your DNA can make the transporters and receptors unable to function.
This can cause two problems:
The medication can’t get to where it needs to go → your condition won’t be treated
The medication stays in your body too long → adverse effects
Genetic testing can help you know if you have changes in your DNA that affect your transporters and receptors.
Book a call with our pharmacist to see if genetic testing can help you with your medications.