Pharmacogenomics (PGx) Testing
The PGx test is your one test for life. The test will cover your metabolic response to medications at all stages in life, and can be referred back to at any time regardless of your age or health status.
Pharmacogenomics is the analysis of how genes affect a person’s response to drugs. Most drugs are broken down (metabolised] in the body by drug-metabolising enzymes (DMEs). Specific genes code for these enzymes, and variations in these genes can cause significant differences to drug-metabolising enzymes, drug transporters and drug targets. As everyone has a unique genetic makeup, this can affect how you will respond or react to certain medications. A medication or dose that works for one person may be ineffective or cause harmful side effects in another. Through pharmacogenomics testing, individualised medicine treatment plans can be developed based on each patient’s genetic makeup, to determine optimal drugs and dosages, and limit harmful side effects.
POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF PGX TESTING
Using the results from PGx testing, health care providers can individualize drug therapy selection and dosages for patients based on their genetic makeup. Testing patients prior to beginning treatment may help determine their response to certain drug classes and help avoid drugs that may be ineffective or cause harmful side effects. For patients currently on treatment, it may identify new treatment options or identify why current treatments aren’t working. Advantages of PGx testing may include • Decreasing and potentially eliminating the need for a “trial and error” approach to find effective therapy and dosages Decreasing the number of adverse drug reactions a patient experiences Saving patients time and money on ineffective medications Decreasing the amount of time patients are on medication
