Getting the Right Prescription: Black Health and Medication Mismatches

For years, the humorous contrasts between Black and White cultures have been highlighted—often joking about seasoning differences in cooking. Yet, the more pressing inquiry may revolve around our physiological and medical variances. Social media posts have sparked discussions, claiming, “Black people are genetically different,” prompting reflections on whether the medications prescribed truly cater to our needs.Scientific research reveals that humans share approximately 99.6 to 99.9 percent of their DNA, exposing more genetic diversity within racial groups than between them. A 1997 study uncovered only 7 percent variation across major racial categories. However, polymorphisms—genetic variations influencing drug reaction—can result in distinct responses across ethnicities.Clinical trials, essential to establishing drug safety and effectiveness, often lack adequate Black representation. Recent data shows that only 8 percent of trial volunteers identify as Black, despite higher health risks prevalent in the community. For Black individuals, engaging in clinical research is crucial to ensuring medications are effective and safe for everyone.