INNOVATIONS in pharmacy

Ethical Considerations in Carbamazepine Pharmacogenomics Testing

Madeline Yuzwa

Northeast Ohio Medical University

https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7947-6864

Rachel Bracken

Northeast Ohio Medical University

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5927-7248

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/iip.v16i2.6339

Keywords: pharmacogenomics, carbamazepine, personalized medicine, bioethics, adverse drug reactions, patient autonomy, cultural competence

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Abstract

Carbamazepine, a widely used anticonvulsant, exemplifies both the promise and challenges of pharmacogenomics in personalized medicine. This paper critically examines the ethical implications of pharmacogenomic testing for carbamazepine, focusing on the limitations of current FDA guidelines. Through a comprehensive literature review and ethical analysis, we argue that these guidelines inadequately address key ethical concerns, including patient privacy, autonomy, equitable access, and potential genetic discrimination. We propose an updated framework for ethical implementation of pharmacogenomic testing, emphasizing four key areas: ensuring consistent and equitable access to testing, comprehensive patient education and informed consent, robust patient privacy and data management practices, and culturally aware approaches to genetic counseling. Our recommendations call for interdisciplinary collaboration to develop more comprehensive guidelines that balance clinical efficacy with ethical considerations in the rapidly evolving field of pharmacogenomics.

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Author Biography

Rachel Bracken, Northeast Ohio Medical University

Assistant Professor, Family and Community Medicine 

College of Medicine