Pharmacogenomics: A New Approach for Preventing Severe Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions

Abstract

Pharmacogenomics can be used to identify genetic predisposing factors for serious cutaneous adverse reactions and personalize drug therapy accordingly. Pharmacogenetic screening for severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) is a key opportunity and potential paradigm for reducing morbidity and mortality and finally eliminating some of the most devastating of adverse drug reactions. This chapter focuses on the current state of surveillance know-how, pathogenesis, and treatment of SCARs. The role of genomics and pharmacogenomics in the etiology, treatment, and eradication of preventable causes of drug-induced SCARs is discussed. Drugs associated with hypersensitivity reactions with strong genetic predisposing factors include abacavir, nevirapine, carbamazepine, allopurinol, etc. The gaps, unmet needs, and priorities for future research are identified in order to eliminate genetically mediated SCARs globally.