Improving drug safety by locating genetic markers for hypersensitivity reactions.

Med J Aust · 2009

rct · Level II

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Abstract

Individuals vary in their response to a medication with regard to efficacy and adverse effects. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region of DNA offers the key to predicting drug hypersensitivity reactions. Single nucleotide polymorphisms for hypersensitivity reactions with carbamazepine, abacavir and allopurinol have been identified. A randomised controlled trial demonstrated the effectiveness of prospective screening for the predisposing genetic marker in preventing all cases of the hypersensitivity reaction with abacavir. Further pharmacogenetic investigation of hypersensitivity reactions could be conducted in Australia by establishing a network of sentinel hospitals.