This paper describes drug development based on pharmacogenetic experiences and the inherent implications for the health professions in the primary health care service sector. Pharmacogenetics involves increased demands for competence in extracting the newest knowledge for the benefit of the patients, and the need for advising patients about of usage and the ethical aspects of drugs, which are prescribed on the basis of the genetic profile of a specific patient. International experiences show that the health professions in general are poorly trained to handle this task. There is no evidence that the health professionals in the primary health care service sector in Denmark are any better prepared. This paper concludes that if the positive prospects of pharmacogenetics are to benefit patients, systematized training of the health professionals in the primary health care sector is needed.