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Updated: Sep 12, 2025

Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles
Published on: November 10, 2017
Increasing statin prescribing through a pharmacogenomics-guided initiative
Background:
Despite clear benefits of statin therapy, utilization remains suboptimal. Concern for adverse effects are a top reason for declining or discontinuing a statin. Certain genetic variations can predispose a patient to statin intolerance.
Objective:
To offer Veterans pharmacogenomics testing to help guide statin therapy decision-making and increase appropriate statin prescribing within a single Veterans Affairs Health Care System (VAHCS).
Practive Innovation & Evaluation Methods:
A team of pharmacists designed a quality improvement initiative that included personalized phone calls offering pharmacogenomics testing and/or statin initiation. Patients initiated on a statin were assessed for adherence and tolerability at least four weeks after initiation.
Results:
A total of 107 patients were contacted for the statin initiative. About half (n = 50 [47%]) initiated a statin, and of those, 45 (90%) completed pharmacogenomics testing for a genomics-guided statin prescription. Most patients initiated on a statin (72%) reported adherence and tolerance at least 4 weeks after starting statin therapy.
Conclusion:
Pharmacogenomics testing can potentially be used as a tool in the statin initiation process to facilitate a patient-centered discussion and increase shared clinical decision making.
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