Did you know that a few physicians mistakenly prescribe drugs to a patient for an ailment the patient does not have? Other physicians inadvertently or erroneously prescribe the inappropriate medication for a well-diagnosed illness. These mismatches are sometimes because the right type of test was not done.

CASE STUDY

I recently learned about a 22-year-old man who spent three weeks in a local burn unit after he received a lamotrigine prescription, even though the drug was prescribed in error. This patient developed Stevens Johnsons Syndrome characterized by severe rash, sores, and blisters. These side effects are known side effects of lamotrigine. However, the prescribing physician miscalculated the number of “yes,” he ticked in the questionnaire the patient filled. Based on existing diagnostic criteria, the physician incorrectly diagnosed him with bipolar disorder and prescribed a dose of lamotrigine higher than the recommended dose. The good news is that the patient survived the unpleasant experience. It is worth mentioning that many patients don’t survive an adverse drug reaction.

INFERENCE

Will you agree that if this physician considered this patient’s genomics before prescribing lamotrigine, the stress experienced by the physician, patient, caregivers, and others would have been prevented? This benefit is one of the many reasons patients should seek to know their genomic profile in regards to drug use. This simple test can save lives and other valuable resources. Also, if the dispensing pharmacist had counseled the patient on the black box warning associated with lamotrigine, the information could have alerted the patient. Click here to learn more. Kindly contact us if you have any questions.