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The article enhances nurses' understanding of the role of genomics in nursing practice and explains its benefits in healthcare practice. Topics discussed are benefits of pharmacogenomics relating to the liver enzyme CYP2D6 which is a part of the cytochrome P450 2D6 family, genomics infrastructure, the need to educate nurses and support the development of knowledge and skills related to genomics, ethical aspects of genomics and prenatal screening for genetic conditions.

The article discusses how nurses can identify and effectively manage adverse drug reactions (ADR) to promote medicines adherence and safety. Topics include the potential effects of ADRs on people's quality of life and therapeutic results, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) principles of medicines optimisation, and the types of ADRs like types A, B and C.

Why you should read this article: • To enhance your understanding of the pharmacology of the side effects of medicines • To identify which medicines and patient groups have an increased risk of adverse drug reactions • To recognise how you could apply your knowledge of pharmacology to prevent adverse effects and maintain patient safety Most common adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are linked to pharmacology. No medicine has a single physiological effect, and many cause unwanted side effects in addition to their intended action, even when administered at the recommended dose. The higher the number of medicines people take, the higher their risk of ADRs. This article explores the role of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in ADRs and discusses how understanding the way in which the body processes medicines, and the factors that affect these mechanisms, can assist nurses in anticipating and avoiding ADRs. The article also explains how understanding the mode of action before administering medicines to patients can predict and prevent harmful interactions, exaggerated or unwanted side effects and responses at unintended sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AUTH Why you should read this article: • To improve your understanding of the mechanisms of medicine absorption • To explore the numerous pharmacokinetic factors that affect medicine absorption • To understand the safety parameters of the prescription and administration of medicines The speed and extent of medicine absorption in the human body are affected by numerous interrelated pharmacokinetic factors. To maximise therapeutic benefit and ensure patient safety, nurses require an optimal understanding of these factors. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has established four principles of medicines optimisation that healthcare professionals should follow. This article discusses the pharmacokinetic factors that affect medicine absorption. It also examines the four principles of medicines optimisation and how nurses can use these to ensure the safe and effective use of medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]