Genetics-based dosing lowers warfarin risks

Researchers funded by the NHLBI have found that personalizing the doses of warfarin, a commonly used blood thinner, through genetic testing lowers the risk of adverse effects. The findings of the Genetic InFormatics Trial (GIFT) of Warfarin Therapy to Prevent DVT were presented at the American College of Cardiology's 66th Annual Scientific Session. Warfarin dosing is currently a matter of trial and error, according to the researchers. This is dicey, since too much can cause dangerous bleeding and too little leave patients at risk of blood clots.