Exploratory planning and implementation of a pilot pharmacogenetic program in a community pharmacy.

O'Connor SK, Ferreri SP, Michaels NM, Greco AJ, Viera AJ, Faruki H, McLeod HL, Roederer MW.

Source

Division of Pharmacy Practice & Experiential Education CB #7574, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7574, USA.

Abstract

Aim: To describe the exploratory planning and implementation of a pilot pharmacogenetic program in a community pharmacy. An institutional review board-approved protocol for a clopidogrel pharmacogenetic program in a community pharmacy was developed to address feasibility and evaluate the pilot program. Study concept: Subjects taking clopidogrel are asked to participate at the point of medication dispensing. A pharmacist schedules an appointment with subjects to discuss the study and collects a buccal swab sample for CYP2C19 testing. When the results are available, the pharmacist consults with the subject's prescriber regarding test result interpretation and associated recommendations, and schedules a second appointment with the participant to discuss results and review any physician-approved therapeutic changes. The intervention-associated consultation is then billed to the subject's insurance. Results: Subject enrollment has begun. Conclusion: Community pharmacists may be valuable partners in pharmacogenetics.