Q: What is pharmacogenetic testing?
Pharmacogenetic testing, also called DNA Drug Sensitivity Testing, is the testing of certain genes to determine how individuals might react to specific medications. With insight derived from pharmacogenetic testing, healthcare providers may decrease the need for “trial-and-error” dosing and might substantially reduce the risk Adverse Drug Events (ADEs).
Q: What drugs does Pharmacogenetic testing cover?
Bharath Genomix currently offers pharmacogenetic testing that includes the major Cytochrome P-450 enzymes as well as other genes involved in drug metabolism. Genelex’s pharmacogenetic testing includes YouScript prescribing software allows the analysis of more than 4,000 compounds including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, vitamins, nutraceuticals and recreational drugs. The FDA has updated the label of more than 250 drugs to include pharmacogenetic information and the breadth of coverage continues to grow.
Q: What drugs does Pharmacogenetic testing cover?
Q: Do I need a healthcare provider to order this test?
Yes, you need a healthcare provider who is licensed and able to write a prescription (e.g. MD, DO, NP, PA) to complete the test order.
For more information about what is required to complete your test order, review our specimen collection instruction sheet.
Both you and your provider will receive a genetic profile report and a personalized prescribing report prepared by a pharmacist that provides information on drug-drug and FDA approved drug-gene interactions. Genelex’s pharmacogenetic testing includes a consultation with one of our pharmacists. A pharmacist will review the software recommendations for improvements to a patient’s medication regimen. Recommendations will be made to your authorizing healthcare provider via the physician report.
Can I talk to a pharmacist about my report?
Yes. Our pharmacogenetic test includes a consultation with one of our in-house pharmacists.
Q: What does the clinical decision support tool do?
CDST software analyzes the prescription drugs, over the counter medicines and herbal remedies that you are taking in relation to your genetic profile. It assigns a patient-specific “Genetic Risk” score for drug-drug and drug-gene interactions and includes access to over 14,000 curated references and over 12,000 pharmacist advisory notes.
Q: When is Pharmacogenetic testing indicated?
The FDA has updated the labels of more than 250 drugs to include pharmacogenetic information.
If a patient takes four or more medications regularly or has had an adverse reaction that resulted in a doctor or emergency room visit, then they may benefit from DNA sensitivity testing powered by YouScript. Additionally, a combination of the following conditions indicates an increased risk of adverse reactions to medications. Genelex pharmacogenetic testing can provide insight to help reduce the risk
Conditions that may put a patient at risk:
- Over 65 years of age
- Experiencing unwanted side effects from medication(s)
- Feels their medications aren’t working
- Currently taking or considering any of the medications on this list
Or, has one or more of the following medical conditions:
– acid reflux
– mental health condition
– arthritis
– cancer
– asthma/COPD
– thyroid disorder
– organ transplant
– diabetes
– osteoporosis
– blood pressure (high)
– cholesterol (high)
– migraines
– peptic ulcer
– depression
– prostate (enlarged)
– pregnancy
– post-Myocardial Infarction (MI) surgery
Q: What are some of the most useful genes to test?
Genelex’s pharmacogenetic test currently includes 14 additional genes to help healthcare providers. Call our team (800-TEST-DNA) or talk to your healthcare provider about what makes sense for you.
Q: How has PGx testing been used up to this point?
Pharmaceutical companies regularly use PGx tests in clinical trials to exclude people for whom the drug will be dangerous or ineffective or to better understand the efficacy of their offerings. Genelex also performs testing for these companies.
Medical centers around the country are using PGx tests on patients in order to avoid serious drug side effects, reduce trial-and-error, and achieve more accurate prescribing.
PGx testing is a key part of precision medicine, and with our patient-friendly report, you are able to have a more informed discussion with their healthcare providers.