21st century testing to help chronic pain pts justify needing higher doses

If you are reading this, YOU NEED TO SHARE THIS – not just LIKE IT… unless you feel that there is no one in your circle of family & friends who are dealing with chronic health issues, that could possibly benefit & enjoy improving their QOL. If you are a intractable chronic pain pt, this could give your prescriber HARD JUSTIFICATION why you need a higher dose.

For years, those who follow and read my blog… Have heard me routinely talk about pharmacogenomics (PGx). “back in the day”, I was a hard-charging, card carrying, type-A workaholic.  Now in my 8th decade on this earth, those words no longer really applies to me. I could not, in good conscience , pull back from supporting those in  the chronic pain community, to try and get up to speed with PGx. So I started looking around to find a Pharmacist that has this PGx stuff down pat. Must have been my GOOD KARMA day. I found Cari A. Lalande, PharmD, RPh
Owner | Clinical Genetic Pharmacist.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I won’t get the first penny for being a conduit in connecting Cari, with someone in the community who wants to see if PGx/NGx could help improve their overall health/QOL.  This is Cari’s professional business/practice, and she does charge for her services and will bill insurance, if it is covered. I think that it would be best, if any/all pts asked their practitioner if they will use/believe in PGx testing. There are some practitioners that are still working with 20th century knowledge and skill sets.

Last, but not least, Cari has agreed to become a contributor to my blog. Sharing stories about pts she has helped using PGx & NGx and the positive QOL outcomes she has been able to accomplished for these pts.

Health By Genetics™ is a unique pharmacist owned genetic lab designed to conduct comprehensive pharmacogenomic (PGx), nutrigenomic (NGx) molecular testing. Our wholistic approach to patient-centered care empowers individuals to live life abundantly, on their terms.

Utilizing genetics as the basis, we work with both the patient and their providers to determine the best medication choice for each thereby reducing the occurrence of side effects, polypharmacy, and increase awareness of better lifestyle choices. 

Our goal is to solve for challenges most patients face when multiple providers are involved in prescribing various

medications without communicating with each other thereby increasing the risk of adverse side effects and related events.

To continue to support our patients, because genetic testing is not a one and done type of test, we created our PharmaAssistTM Concierge clinical services program that provides patients a personal genetically trained pharmacist to act as their patient advocate with their healthcare providers.


Click here to schedule a meeting: https://calendly.com/health-by-genetics



Click here to schedule a meeting: https://calendly.com/health-by-genetics

Nutrigenomics is a field of study that investigates the relationship between nutrition and an individual’s genes. It explores how genetic variations influence the body’s response to different nutrients and how diet can affect gene expression and function.

The core concept behind nutrigenomics is that each person’s genetic makeup influences how they process and metabolize nutrients from the food they consume. Genetic variations can affect the absorption, metabolism, and utilization of specific nutrients, as well as impact an individual’s susceptibility to certain diseases or conditions.

By studying the interactions between genes and nutrients, nutrigenomics aims to understand how personalized nutrition can optimize health, prevent disease, and improve overall well-being. This field combines principles from genomics, molecular biology, biochemistry, and nutrition to provide insights into the intricate relationship between diet and genetics.

Nutrigenomics research involves analyzing an individual’s genetic profile to identify specific genetic variations related to nutrient metabolism. This information can then be used to tailor personalized dietary recommendations and interventions. For example, certain individuals may have genetic variations that affect their ability to metabolize certain vitamins or minerals efficiently. Understanding these genetic variations can help in designing dietary plans that compensate for these limitations and promote optimal nutrient utilization.

Overall, nutrigenomics offers the potential for more precise and personalized dietary recommendations based on an individual’s genetic profile. However, it’s important to note that this field is still evolving, and more research is needed to fully understand the complex interactions between genetics and nutrition.


Pharmacogenomics is a field of study that combines pharmacology (the study of how drugs work) and genomics (the study of an individual’s genes and their functions) to understand how genetic variations influence an individual’s response to medications. It examines the relationship between an individual’s genetic makeup and their response to specific drugs, including how they metabolize, process, and respond to medications.

Pharmacogenomics aims to develop personalized medicine approaches by using genetic information to guide drug therapy decisions. By understanding how genetic variations can affect drug response, healthcare providers can tailor medication choices and dosages to individual patients, maximizing efficacy and minimizing adverse reactions.

Genetic variations can influence drug efficacy, safety, and tolerability. Certain genetic variants can affect how quickly a drug is metabolized in the body, leading to differences in drug levels and potentially impacting its effectiveness or causing adverse effects. Additionally, variations in genes involved in drug targets or drug transporters can affect how a person responds to a particular medication.

Pharmacogenomic testing involves analyzing an individual’s genetic information to identify specific genetic variations that may impact drug response. This information can help guide treatment decisions, such as selecting the most appropriate medication or adjusting the dosage to optimize therapeutic outcomes.

Overall, pharmacogenomics holds great promise for improving the safety and effectiveness of drug therapy by tailoring treatments to an individual’s genetic profile, leading to more personalized and precise healthcare.


A holistic approach to patient-centered care is a comprehensive approach that considers the physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual aspects of an individual’s well-being. It recognizes that each person is a unique and complex whole, and aims to address their health needs in a way that empowers them to live a fulfilling and abundant life.

In a holistic approach, healthcare providers not only focus on treating the symptoms or diseases but also strive to understand the underlying causes and factors that contribute to a person’s health. They take into account the individual’s lifestyle, environment, relationships, and personal beliefs when developing a care plan.

Empowerment is a key aspect of holistic patient-centered care. It involves actively involving the patient in their own healthcare decisions and treatment options, respecting their autonomy and preferences. Healthcare providers encourage patients to take responsibility for their health and well-being, providing them with education and tools to make informed choices and actively participate in their care.

This approach recognizes that health is not merely the absence of disease but a state of overall well-being. It promotes the concept of abundance by focusing on enhancing the quality of life and promoting wellness in all areas of a person’s life. It seeks to promote balance and harmony in physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions, aiming for optimal health and vitality.

Overall, a holistic approach to patient-centered care values the whole person, recognizes their unique needs and preferences, and empowers them to actively participate in their healthcare journey. It aims to foster well-being, self-care, and a sense of abundance in individuals’ lives.

 

2 Responses

  1. Thank you, Steve! I somehow missed this originally, glad I caught it!! I’ve been wanting this testing for awhile. I signed up for the info session. Thanks again.

  2. […] 21st century testing to help chronic pain pts justify needing higher doses […]

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