Breast Cancer is cancer that starts in the breast cells. In the United States, about 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
Ovarian cancer refers to the abnormal growth and multiplication of cells in the ovarian tissues. This is the 10th most common cancer type affecting women in the U.S.
Cancer is the number one cause of death in Americans. In women, both breast and ovarian cancers increase the mortality rate significantly.
Ovarian cancer does not show symptoms until cancer begins to spread, making it more difficult to treat. Some of the of advanced-stage ovarian cancer are:
- Abdominal pain
- Bowel movement changes
- Frequent urination
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
The Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (HBOC) is a genetic condition that increases women’s risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers.
HBOC may be suspected if a person has the below personal/family history.
First or second-degree relatives with both breast cancer and ovarian cancer: 10-20% of patients with breast cancer and ovarian cancers have a family history of either/both the types of cancer.
Genetic mutation (changes) in both the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes
Breast cancer diagnosis before the age of 50
Breast cancer diagnosis and Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes contain instructions for the production of tumor suppressor proteins.
These proteins prevent abnormal growth and division of cells and bring down the risk of cancers. Changes in these genes are very closely associated with breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
However, changes in these genes may not always lead to breast and ovarian cancer. It just means that women with these genetic mutations are at a higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.
Genetic changes in either of these genes result in a breast cancer risk of 60-85% and an ovarian cancer risk of 15-40%.
Women between the ages 70-74 have the highest risk for breast cancer. Women between the ages of 55 and 64 have the highest risk for developing ovarian cancer.
In the United States, white and black women have a higher risk for developing breast cancer than American Indians, Asians, Pacific Islanders, and Hispanics. Whites and non-Hispanics have a higher risk for developing ovarian cancer than Asians, Pacific Islanders, and Hispanics.
Women who smoke are at higher risk for developing both breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
Post-menopausal obese women are at higher risk for developing breast and ovarian cancers because of higher inflammatory markers in the body.
Women who had their first child after 35 had a 22% increased risk for developing breast cancer.
Similarly, women who have never had children or those who get pregnant after 35 have a higher risk for developing ovarian cancer.
A BRCA genetic test can help you identify your genetic risk for breast and ovarian cancer. If any of your first or second-degree relatives have been diagnosed with breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or both in the past, then genetic testing is highly recommended. Your healthcare provider and a genetic counselor can help you understand risk assessment and the implications of the test.
Since obesity increases your risk for both breast and ovarian cancers, maintaining a healthy weight can help lower your risk.
Being physically active may reduce the risk and improve survival rates for both breast and ovarian cancers.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1247/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12788999/
https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/cancer/hboc.html
https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/hereditary-breast-ovarian-cancer-syndrome/
https://gis.cdc.gov/Cancer/USCS/DataViz.html
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
Efavirenz is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used to treat, prevent, and spread HIV.
Efavirenz forms a part of the highly active antiretroviral therapy or HAART for treating HIV type 1 infection.
In people whose HIV has not been previously treated, a combination of efavirenz and lamivudine with zidovudine or tenofovir can be effective.
Efavirenz may be prescribed to all adults and children above three months of age who are heavier than eight pounds.
Efavirenz should always be given in combination with other HIV medications.
It is never prescribed as a sole drug.
Efavirenz is an antiviral medication that prevents the multiplication of HIV in the body and its transmission to other individuals.
This drug can prevent the development of AIDS (Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome) but does not cure HIV.
Efavirenz belongs to the class of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.
HIV uses a reverse transcriptase enzyme to copy its genetic code to make a copy of itself that can enter human cells.
Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors prevent or inhibit HIV’s reverse transcriptase enzyme activity.
As a result, efavirenz reduces the amount of HIV in the blood.
Efavirenz does not cure HIV but decreases the risk of developing AIDS and other HIV-related infections and cancer.
Taking efavirenz with other HIV medications may help reduce the spread and transmission of the virus.
Efavirenz is used safely in people who have HIV.
However, it may cause side effects in some individuals.
Common side effects of efavirenz are
If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above after taking efavirenz, speak to your doctor immediately.
Other serious side effects of efavirenz that requires immediate medical attention include:
While efavirenz does not cause weight gain, it does cause an increase in blood cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
A study published in 2018 stated that adults living who switched from a daily dose of efavirenz to an INSTi-based regime gained weight more than those who continued with the drug.
Efavirenz is used as the first line of treatment for HIV.
Though the exact mechanism is not clear, efavirenz is associated with hepatotoxicity (injury to the liver or impairment of liver function).
This hepatotoxicity results from a full-body hypersensitivity reaction to the drug, characterized by skin rash and fever.
Nervous system and psychiatric side effects of efavirenz are common.
A study conducted on rats in 2005 reported that efavirenz might induce depression-like behavior in rats.
The same study also found that the rats were more susceptible to stress when on efavirenz.
Though efavirenz is still being used with other antiretroviral medications to treat HIV, its neuropsychiatric effects are one of the primary reasons it is slowly being phased out in clinical situations.
Efavirenz may interact with other drugs. Some common interactions include:
Etravirine and nevirapine
Taking efavirenz with these NNRTI drugs increases the risk of side effects.
Midazolam
This is a benzodiazepine medication used for anesthesia, as a sleep medication, and to decrease anxiety.
Taking efavirenz with midazolam decreases the metabolism of the latter resulting in an increased possibility for cardiac arrhythmias, prolonged sedation, and respiratory distress.
Clarithromycin
This is an antibacterial used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.
Taking clarithromycin with efavirenz reduces the levels of clarithromycin, resulting in a high incidence of rash.
Azithromycin may be used as an alternative drug.
Tramadol
Tramadol is a pain-relieving medication.
Taking tramadol with efavirenz may increase your risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be life-threatening.
Phenytoin
This is an anti-epileptic medication.
Taking efavirenz with phenytoin affects the levels of both medications in the blood.
This combination can reduce the level of efavirenz in blood, making the medication less effective.
Acetaminophen/paracetamol
Taking efavirenz with acetaminophen may increase the risk of liver damage.
Co-trimoxazole
When taken with co-trimoxazole, efavirenz may cause liver damage.
Sodium valproate
Sodium valproate is used to treat seizures.
Taking efavirenz with drugs like sodium valproate increases the risk of liver damage.
If you are allergic to efavirenz, you may experience symptoms like hives, skin rash, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, fever, and burning eyes.
The IL10 or the Interleukin 10 gene gives instructions for producing a protein that has anti-inflammatory properties.
rs1800896 is a single nucleotide polymorphism or SNP in the IL10 gene.
People with the TT genotype are at a greater risk of developing drug hypersensitivity when treated with efavirenz than those with the CT or CC genotypes.
Analyze Your Genetic Response to Efavirenz
It is recommended to take efavirenz on an empty stomach.
Taking efavirenz with food increases the concentration of the drug in the blood and may increase the risk of adverse reactions.
Avoid drinking grape juice while taking efavirenz.
Studies say that a chemical in grape juice may increase efavirenz levels in the blood, resulting in more side effects.
Avoid consumption of alcohol with efavirenz as it may aggravate the adverse effects of efavirenz.
Inform your doctor about any medical condition you may have and complete details of all the medicines and supplements you are currently taking.
This helps avoid drug interactions that often result in adverse effects.
Get Insights On Common Allergies From Your 23andMe, AncestryDNA Raw Data!
Obesity, a disorder prevalent among today’s population, is a major influencer of human health and wellness. Research suggests that your gut microbial community could influence the risk for obesity. This hypothesis was supported by a recent study that was aimed at developing therapeutics for individuals struggling with weight loss. The study also provides an insight into the role of Gastrokine-1 protein (GKN-1) in obesity. The results suggest that with more research, therapies that focus on the activity of GKN-1 can be developed to provide potential solutions to obesity.
Obesity is a disorder characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the body. Body Mass Index (BMI) is an inexpensive and easy screening method for weight category - underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese.
A BMI over or equal to 30 indicates obesity in adults. BMI is calculated by dividing a person's weight by the square of their height.
Gastro Kinase-1 (GKN-1) is a protein that is produced exclusively and abundantly in the stomach. This protein is resistant to digestion. It passes through the intestine and interacts with microbes in the gut. A study published in Scientific Reports, co-authored by researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine, has reported that GKN-1 levels are linked to body composition.
The study examined the effects of the presence and absence of GKN-1 protein on body composition. It was conducted on two groups of mouse models - one with the GKN-1 protein and one without it. The following parameters were considered:
It was found that mouse models without the GKN-1 protein weighed less and had higher percentages of lean mass, and lower body fat, despite consuming the same amount of food.
Further, when on a high-fat diet, the mice without the GKN-1 protein showed resistance to increased body fat, weight gain, and hepatic inflammation - a causative factor of liver disease. These effects were noticeable and consistent in both the sexes.
Researchers observed that the absence of the GKN-1 protein didn’t result in any adverse effects like cancer, diabetes, loss of appetite, malabsorption, or inflammation.
At this stage, however, it cannot be concluded that blocking GKN-1 protein can prevent obesity. Researchers seem to think of it as a potential therapeutic solution, to improve the quality of life for obese patients.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/05/210504154601.htm
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-88928-8
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight
https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/adult/causes.html
https://ourworldindata.org/obesity
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/index.html
https://atlasbiomed.com/blog/link-between-gut-bacteria-and-weight-loss/#change-gut-microbes
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5470704/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/improve-gut-bacteria
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5082693/
https://www.cdc.gov/genomics/resources/diseases/obesity/obesedit.htm
Fish oil is one of the most commonly used dietary supplements. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. It has been known to protect against heart diseases, lower blood pressure, and lower triglyceride levels. According to a recent study published in the journal PLOS Genetics, the beneficial effect of fish oil on triglycerides is seen only in people with a certain type of genetic makeup.
Triglycerides (TG) are the most common type of fats present in your body. TG are commonly found in foods like butter, margarines, and oils. The extra calories that the body doesn’t need to use right away are also stored as triglycerides.
High triglyceride levels are considered to be a marker (indicator) for heart diseases. A blood sample reading of less than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) is considered to be the normal level of TG. Higher levels of triglycerides may thicken the walls of the arteries, thereby increasing the risk of stroke and heart diseases.
Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which is very important for your heart health. Fish oil can be derived from consuming oily fish like mackerel and salmon or through supplements. Some fish oil products are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as prescription medications to lower triglycerides levels.
But, a recent study published in the journal PLOS Genetics claims that “taking fish oil only provides health benefits if you have the right genetic makeup.”
The study focussed on the effects of fish oil on triglyceride levels in the blood. The study also examined the levels of the other three blood lipids - high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol. All these types of fats (lipids) are biomarkers for heart diseases.
The study analyzed the data of 70,000 individuals taken from UK Biobank. The study cohort was divided into two - those who took fish oil supplements (around 11,000) and those who didn’t.
After running over 64 million tests, it was found that people on fish supplements who experienced a reduction in their triglyceride levels had a specific genotype of the GJB2 gene.
Individuals with the AG genotype who took fish oil decreased their triglycerides.
The study further revealed that individuals with the AA genotype who took fish oil had slightly elevated levels of triglycerides. The effects of fish oil on triglycerides in people with GG type could not be determined as present in the variant rs112803755. So, if you have your DNA raw data file with you, you can look up this rsID to find out your genotype!
Apart from fish oil, there are also other effective methods to reduce your triglyceride levels. Some of them include:
Limiting your sugar intake
Excess sugar in your diet is turned into triglycerides, elevated levels of which are not good for your heart health. According to a study, replacing your sugary beverages with water can decrease your triglyceride levels by as much as 29 mg/dL.
Adopting a low-carb diet
The extra carbs in your diet are also converted into and stored as triglycerides. Following a low-carb diet has proven to be much more effective than following a low-fat diet in terms of reducing triglyceride levels.
Exercising regularly
HDL cholesterol is a type of good cholesterol. Increasing HDL levels can both help reduce triglyceride levels as well as counteract the effects of high triglycerides. Jogging for even two hours per week can reduce the levels of triglycerides.
Limiting Alcohol Intake
Alcohol is high in sugar and calories. If they are not used up by the body, they are converted into triglycerides. According to studies, even moderate alcohol consumption can increase your triglyceride levels by as much as 53%. This applies to people with normal triglyceride levels as well!
Our quick and acute response to certain environmental stimuli can pose health issues due to our subjective sensitivity.
Exposure to environmental chemicals (including cleaning products, detergents, diesel exhaust, formaldehyde, plastics, carpets, epoxy, pesticides, and synthetic/ natural fragrances) can cause chemical sensitivity in some people even at doses far below those usually harmful to most others.
Chemical sensitivity is both different and similar to an allergic reaction.
Chemical Sensitivity (CS), also known as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), Chemical Intolerance (CI), Idiopathic Environmental Illness (IEI), or Toxicant Induced Loss of Tolerance (TILT), is an acquired multifactorial syndrome.
It is characterized by a recurrent set of debilitating symptoms, including:
These symptoms involve a large spectrum of organ systems and typically disappear when the sensitivity-causing environmental chemicals are removed.
Chemical sensitivity is an acquired disorder in which a specific set of diagnosable medical conditions involving the respiratory, cardiac, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, dermal, and nervous systems are exacerbated by exposure to chemicals found in the environment at levels that neither produce acute toxicity nor affect most individuals.
Chemical sensitivity occurs due to amplified immune responses triggered by c-fibers or an altered function in the respiratory epithelium.
Odorous (foul-smelling) chemicals, for instance, trigger the responses of unmyelinated c-fiber neurons, which are widely distributed in the mucous covering the respiratory tract.
This, in turn, results in the release of substance P, a key element of many inflammatory processes.
The consequent immune response then suggestively provokes central nervous system (CNS)-mediated symptoms such as emesis, nausea, mood disorders, and stress4.
Thus, it is clear that chemical stimulation at one body site, for example, the mucous membrane of the nose, can lead to inflammation in other distant sites, thereby provoking symptoms like headache or tachycardia (increased heart rate).
Allergic responses and alterations in the immune system have been proposed as a possible etiological mechanism of chemical sensitivity.
Toxicants such as pesticides, solvents, and various hydrocarbons can reach the brain through the respiratory passage.
Many individuals with chemical sensitivity have rosacea with erythema and inflammation of the face.
Airborne contact dermatitis is the skin inflammation produced by exposure to chemicals in the air.
A certain degree of genetic variability exists amongst us, which is a major contributor to deciding who is more susceptible to chemical sensitivities.
One concept is that people with chemical sensitivity have fewer or less effective enzymes for detoxifying chemicals and metabolizing drugs.
This could make them more prone to developing the associated symptoms.
For instance, individuals with hereditary blood disorders like sickle cell anemia are sensitive to benzene, cadmium, and lead, aggravating their anemia symptoms.
Likewise, deficiencies in serum alpha-1-antitrypsin can leave individuals susceptible to lung diseases from sensitivity to air pollutants such as ozone because of genetic reasons.
Benzene, a group I carcinogen (cancer-causing agent), is commonly used to synthesize organic chemicals and is an important component of many organic solvents.
Daily-use products containing benzene include adhesives, glues, kerosene, cigarette lighter fluid, detergents, gasoline, paints, vinyl thinner, and pesticides.
Exposure to benzene can occur by inhaling fumes or vapors of benzene-containing products or by getting benzene on one’s skin.
Workers exposed to benzene may potentially suffer chronic benzene poisoning (BP).
Clinical reports have shown that exposure to benzene can result in a variety of blood and bone marrow disorders, including leukopenia, anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, aplastic anemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and acute lymphocytic leukemia.
Metabolic enzymes involved in benzene activation or detoxification include NAD(P)H, quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), myeloperoxidase (MPO), glutathione-S-transferase mu-1 (GSTM1), and glutathione-S-transferase theta-1 (GSTT1).
Unfavorable changes in genes that provide instructions to produce these metabolic enzymes can increase the susceptibility to benzene hypersensitivity.
For example, NQO1 is an enzyme that prevents the production of free oxygen radicals, thus protecting the cell from oxidative stress.
A variation in this gene, rs1800566, might result in lowered NQO1 enzyme activity, and thus ‘TT’ genotypes or individuals carrying the mutant allele are susceptible to benzene hemotoxicity.
Interestingly, individuals carrying NQO1 rs1800566 TT genotype hike their risk for benzene poisoning if they are in the habit of smoking or drinking.
Many commonly consumed foods, including rice and shellfish, contain arsenic and heavy metal in traces, which doesn't impact health significantly.
However, chronic exposure to arsenic through food and drinking water at colossal doses is a serious global health issue.
Arsenic can increase the risk for cancer, cardiorespiratory diseases, and other chronic conditions.
After ingestion, arsenic gets absorbed into the bloodstream and is metabolized to facilitate its excretion via urine.
The metabolism of such chemicals is influenced by a person's genetic makeup.
The FTCD gene (formiminotransferase cyclodeaminase) is associated with arsenic metabolism efficiency and risk for arsenic-induced skin lesions.
It provides instructions for the production of the FTCD enzyme, which is expressed predominantly in the liver.
The FTCD enzyme catalyzes the two chemical reactions that are crucial in lowering blood arsenic concentrations and removing arsenic from the body.
A genetic change (single nucleotide polymorphism/SNP) in the FTCD gene at rs61735836 results in reduced urinary arsenic elimination in individuals carrying the 'AA' genotype.
This genotype also increases skin lesion risk in its carriers owing to arsenic sensitivity.
We are all fond of candy, aren't we?
But did you know that the ink from plastic or paper candy wrappers may contain lead (a toxic, heavy metal) that leaches or seeps into the candy?
Not just this, lead may accidentally get into food products, medicines, or cosmetics during packaging.
Consuming even small amounts of lead can be harmful, and lead poisoning from these items can cause detrimental health effects.
Occupational risk for lead poisoning wraps up individuals employed in battery manufacturing, smelting, and mining.
Variation in lead absorption may be linked to genetic factors that influence mineral metabolism.
The vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene influences vitamin D levels in the body and thus plays a role in calcium metabolism and bone health.
This gene affects lead absorption from the gastrointestinal tract and may affect lead storage or release from bone, probably because of lead's chemical similarity with calcium.
A change in the VDR gene (rs7975232) makes its 'T' allele carriers more susceptible to lead poisoning.
Mercury poisoning is a type of metal poisoning occurring because of overexposure to mercury.
Mercury is a naturally occurring metal that exists in many everyday products, albeit in tiny amounts.
While this limited exposure is usually considered safe, a buildup of mercury is highly dangerous.
Seafood consumption and dental fillings are the widespread origins of mercury poisoning.
The protein produced by the ABCC2 gene is a member of the superfamily of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters.
ABC proteins transport various molecules across cells; renal mercury export or mercury elimination from the body is a crucial process taken up by this gene.
A change in this gene at rs1885301 causes higher neurotoxic potential in its 'A' allele carriers.
TCE is an industrial chemical that has been identified with neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, kidney toxicity, and immunotoxicity.
TCE-induced hypersensitivity syndrome is a dose-independent and potentially life-threatening disease that has become a serious occupational health issue.
TCE is a widely used industrial solvent. Consumer products that contain TCE include typewriter correction fluids, paint removers/strippers, adhesives, stain removers, and rug-cleaning fluids.
TCE-induced hypersensitivity syndrome may be due to T-cell-mediated immune diseases.
Several genetic factors, including HLA background, immune cytokine, and chemokines and cell surface receptor polymorphisms, are involved.
The C allele of rs2857281 in the MICA (Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Chain-Related Protein A) gene is associated with Trichloroethylene-induced Hypersensitivity.
Cleaning Products
Most cleaning products give out fumes, which, when inhaled, can be very dangerous.
Masking yourself well while using the cleaning products and keeping the cleaning area ventilated can minimize exposure to these fumes.
Heaters and Burners
A kerosene heater, when poorly maintained, can release carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and soot.
Keep the area around the heater well ventilated and maintain it well to avoid the leak of these gases.
Garden/Yard Work
When the soil is riddled with pesticides, it can enter your system through the food grown in the garden, the skin when working with the soil, and breathing polluted soil as dust particles.
Checking the soil quality now and then, using limited amounts of pesticides, and dampening the soil before you garden can help protect yourself from the chemicals present in the pesticides.
Workplace exposure can happen in factories, chemical plants, manufacturing, and automobile shops.
Gearing up adequately and changing and washing your clothes before leaving your workplace can help reduce your exposure.
If your hobbies involve pottery, woodwork, and painting, you may be at risk for overexposure to chemicals.
Keeping the play area well ventilated, washing your hands with soap and water, using the chemicals with the utmost caution (after reading the instruction manual), and wearing protective gear like gloves and masks can all help with reducing your exposure chance.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/12/1/46
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1438463905000210?via%3Dihub
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/eco.2016.0045
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ana.21327
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/eco.2016.0045
https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.1201/b14258/principles-methods-toxicology-wallace-hayes
https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp.021101213
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17424838/
https://journals.plos.org/plosgenetics/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgen.1007984
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fgene.2019.00388/full
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935119303019?via%3Dihub
https://www.nature.com/articles/srep12169
Get Insights On Common Allergies From Your 23andMe, AncestryDNA Raw Data!
Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic drug used for treatment-resistant schizophrenia and reduces the risk of suicide.
It is preferred when other drugs are ineffective in treating schizophrenia.
Clozapine is a benzisoxazole derivative and can be taken with or without food.
It is available as a tablet, oral suspension, and orally disintegrating tablet.
Clozapine is metabolized in the liver, and over 50% of the administered dose is eliminated via the urine.
Since clozapine is a controlled substance, it is available at a pharmacy only with a doctor’s prescription.
Clozapine is the drug of choice for treating schizophrenia that has not responded to other medications.
Schizophrenia is a mental illness characterized by unusual or disturbed thinking, strong emotions, and a strong tendency to suicide.
Clozapine is a second-generation antipsychotic that helps reduce hallucinations and delusions common in schizophrenia.
The primary mechanism of action of clozapine is to change the activity of neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain).
Clozapine acts as an antagonist (opposes the action) of dopamine and serotonin (neurotransmitters).
Clozapine has a greater affinity to dopamine D4 than the D2 receptor.
When it binds to the receptor, it results in the antipsychotic effects of the drug.
A study published in the Nordic Journal of Psychiatry stated that clozapine helps manage symptoms like intense anxiety and aggressive behavior in some patients with schizophrenia.
Despite clozapine’s safety profile, it may cause side effects in some individuals.
Some side effects of clozapine are:
Contact your doctor if any of the symptoms mentioned above become severe or do not go away in a few days.
Some severe side effects of clozapine that need immediate medical attention include
Some people may be allergic to clozapine. Signs of an allergy to the drug include:
Around 30% to 60% of people on clozapine experience constipation as a side effect.
Clozapine is a known anticholinergic drug that reduces the motility of the gut.
Decreased gut (especially colonic) motility results in clozapine-induced constipation in some people.
In people who experience constipation by taking clozapine, doctors prescribe laxatives.
The rate of mortality is high in people who have schizophrenia.
Antipsychotics like clozapine have been linked to life-threatening conditions like agranulocytosis (deficiency of a type of immune cells in the blood).
However, studies have shown that patients taking clozapine showed lower mortality rates than those taking other antipsychotics and no psychotics.
A study conducted in rats stated that clozapine might cause cognitive impairment and memory loss in subjects without hippocampal lesions, but no memory impairment was observed in rats with hippocampal malfunction (as seen in schizophrenia).
Clozapine’s effect on memory and cognition is sex-related, and the effects were found to be different in male and female rats.
Drug interactions may cause adverse reactions and reduce the efficacy of one or both drugs.
It is, therefore, important to give a detailed medication history to your doctor before taking clozapine.
Some drugs that have major or significant interaction with clozapine are
Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Clonazepam is an anticonvulsant used to treat seizures, panic disorder, anxiety, and akathisia (a movement disorder).
Taking clozapine with clonazepam may increase side effects like dizziness, confusion, and drowsiness.
Elderly individuals may experience increased impaired thinking, judgment, or motor coordination on taking these two drugs together.
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Xanax or alprazolam is used to treat panic disorders and anxiety.
Taking Xanax with clozapine may increase the side effects of both drugs.
Depending upon the administration routes of both the drugs, some people may experience symptoms like extreme drowsiness, shallow breathing, weak pulse, confusion, and poor muscle coordination.
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine drug used to treat anxiety.
Taking lorazepam with clozapine may increase the side effects of both drugs.
Some people may be allergic to clozapine.
If you are allergic to clozapine, avoid taking the medication.
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of clozapine allergy, report to your doctor immediately:
rs1045642 is a single nucleotide polymorphism or SNP located on the ABCB1 gene.
People with the AA genotype may have greater plasma concentrations of clozapine and a greater risk of developing clozapine-induced agranulocytosis than those with the AG and GG genotypes.
Another study stated that the ABCB1 3435TT genotype was more frequent in people having clozapine-induced agranulocytosis than the 3435CC genotype.
rs113332494 is an SNP in the HLA-DQB1 gene.
People with the G allele may have a greater risk of developing agranulocytosis and neutropenia than those with the C allele.
rs149104283 is an SNP in the SLCO1B3-SLCO1B7 gene.
Individuals with schizophrenia having the TT genotype may have a greater risk of clozapine-induced neutropenia than those with the CT or CC genotypes.
| Gene | SNP | Risk Allele | Effect |
| ABCB1 | rs1045642 | A | Increased risk for clozapine allergy |
| HLA-DQB1 | rs113332494 | G | Increased risk for clozapine allergy |
| SLCO1B3-SLCO1B7 | rs149104283 | T | Increased risk for clozapine allergy |
Analyze Your Genetic Response to Clozapine
Limit your caffeine intake while taking clozapine, as it can reduce the drug's metabolism.
You can take clozapine with or without food as its absorption is unaffected by food.
Avoid alcohol consumption while taking clozapine.
St. John's Wort is a herb that induces CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 enzymes, reducing clozapine levels.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or lactating.
Clozapine is contraindicated in pregnant women as it may cause developmental defects in the fetus.
Clozapine enters breast milk and increases the risk for agranulocytosis in the infant.
Clozapine may interact with several drugs, herbs, and supplements.
Therefore, it is crucial to inform your doctor about your current medications and drugs.
Inform your doctor about any medication conditions you may have.
Clozapine is contraindicated in conditions like agranulocytosis, myocarditis, metabolic syndrome, seizures, dementia, and orthostatic hypotension.
Get Insights On Common Allergies From Your 23andMe, AncestryDNA Raw Data!
