The Rx for spending less on meds & doctor visits

Next time your doctor suggests you take a new medicine, consider asking her to do a quick cheek swab. A study in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology analyzed data on 56 common prescriptions with a history of gene interactions that lower effectiveness or trigger side effects. Researchers concluded that in more than one in five instances, results from a genetic saliva test would have prompted a different medicine choice or dose. The researchers say pinpointing the best med for you could save time and money.