One Prescription Doesn’t Fit All: The Future of Personalized Medicine
SCIENCE
Imagine this:
Two people have the same illness. They go to the doctor, and both get the same medicine. One person feels better in a few days. The other person feels worse, or sees no change at all.
How is that possible?
Because even though the medicine is the same, the people are not. Every Human Body Is Different. Each of us is born with different:
Genes (our DNA)
Body size and age
How fast our body breaks down medicine (metabolism)
Gut bacteria
Lifestyle (like diet, stress, and sleep)
All of these things affect how your body reacts to medicine.
That means one medicine may not work the same way for everyone.
What Science Has Discovered
1. Our Genes Affect How Medicine Works
Some people have genes that make their bodies break down certain drugs too fast or too slow.
Example:
A gene called CYP2C19 changes how people respond to a heart medicine called Plavix.
If the gene is “slow,” the medicine won’t work well, and the person could have a heart attack even while on the drug.
2. Men and Women React Differently
Most drugs are tested on men. But women often need lower doses or different medicines.
Example:
Women had more side effects from the sleep medicine Ambien, so doctors later changed the recommended dose just for women.
3. Mental Health Medicines Are Not One-Size-Fits-All
Antidepressants like SSRIs only work for about half of people.
That’s because mood is linked to genes, brain chemicals, gut bacteria, and more.
The Problem Today
Right now, most doctors prescribe medicine based on what works for most people, not what works best for you.
Why? Because:
It’s faster and easier.
It’s based on large clinical trials.
It helps the average patient, but you might not be average.
The Future: Personalized Medicine, Doctors and scientists are now working on a better way:
Choosing treatments that are made for your unique body. This is called precision medicine or personalized medicine.
Final Thought
Medicine is changing. Doctors are starting to see that: Two people with the same illness might need very different treatments. The best care comes from looking at the whole person, not just the disease. So next time you take a pill or visit the doctor, remember:
You’re not just a patient. You’re a person. And the best medicine is the one that’s made to fit you.