If drug dosages are better tailored to the individual, this can save millions of euros a year. Clinical pharmacometry professor Birgit Koch of Erasmus MC in Rotterdam says that patients are often not given the correct doses because the drugs are almost always tested on healthy white men between the ages of 18 and 55. Koch will speak on the subject at his inaugural conference next Friday.
In drug studies, an “average” dose is determined. But when, for example, children, people with a different gender or genetic profile, or, for example, an underlying disease take the drug for a long time, they may not be getting the right amount for their body. This can lead to unpleasant side effects, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, which in turn requires more medication.
Algorithms
Research among other target groups is “essential”, according to Koch. “Avoid excessive and incorrect use of drugs and therefore many unnecessary costs”. Algorithms that search patient records can also help prescribe better doses. (ANP)
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