What is pharmacogenomics?

Pharmacogenomics is defined as the study of how genes affect a person's response to drugs. This field combines pharmacology and genomics to understand the genetic factors that influence individual variations in drug efficacy and safety. By examining a person’s genetic makeup, pharmacogenomics helps to predict how they will respond to certain medications, which can lead to more personalized and effective treatment strategies. For example, certain genetic variants can affect drug metabolism, leading to variations in how well a drug works or the likelihood of adverse effects. This approach aims to enhance the effectiveness of therapy and minimize risks, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

The other choices do not capture the essence of pharmacogenomics. While understanding drug interactions, lifestyle factors, and side effects are all important aspects of pharmacotherapy, they do not focus on the genetic basis of individual responses to medications, which is the core of pharmacogenomics.