PGx
What is Pharmacogenomics (PGx)?
PGx is the study of how your genes may affect your body's response to, and interaction with, some prescription or over-the-counter medications.
Genes, which are inherited from your parents, carry information that determines characteristics such as eye color and blood type. Genes can also influence how you process and respond to medications.
Depending on your genetic makeup, some medications may work faster or slower, or produce more or fewer side effects.
What is pharmacogenomic testing?
In short, pharmacogenomic testing looks for differences in your genes to understand how you respond to medication. Most drugs available are prescribed as a “one size fits all,” but, they won’t have the same results for everyone. It can be difficult to predict who will benefit from a medication, who will not respond at all, and who will experience negative side effects. Now we have learned how inherited differences in genes affect the body’s response to medications. These genetic differences are used to predict whether a medication will be effective for you or may pose a potential risk. Your genetics and medical history will be used to determine the best medications for you by a clinical pharmacist.
Why is PGx important?
The results help tailor your medication based on your genes now and for future prescription needs.
What factors impact response to medications?
PGx testing is one tool your PGxPharmD can use to help identify the right drug for you. Many factors impact how a person responds to medication including:
Genetic factors
Drug Interactions
Medication Timing and Spacing
Diet and Supplements
Age
Race and ethnicity
Organ function (especially kidney and liver function)
Laboratory Levels
Smoking/alcohol
How much will it cost?
Insurance may not cover pharmacogenomic testing. Coverage varies depending on your policy and reasons for testing. Medicare, Medicaid, and Tricare usually cover PGx testing at no cost to the patient.
Costs also vary depending on which test(s) is ordered. Many of our partner labs will work with our patients to make PGx testing affordable. Contact your insurance provider about coverage prior to testing if this is a concern.
In addition to PGx testing costs, you will incur charges related to the appointment/visit with PGxPharmD (see our pricing information for more).
When should pharmacogenomic testing be done?
Anytime, your results are for a lifetime. It is always best to have the latest information on hand for your healthcare team to utilize before starting a new medication, changing medications, or discontinuing medications. For example, it would be best to know which antidepressant your body is most likely to respond to before starting a medication trial when every moment matters.
Who should get pharmacogenomic testing?
Everyone. Just like age, weight, kidney & liver function-based dosing, and therapy class selection, pharmacogenomics plays a role in understanding how your body responds to medications. You want the best dose and medication the first time. Take Plavix for an example, for some people they may not properly convert it and in turn maybe at an extremely elevated risk of having clot due to a lack of effectiveness. Knowing who you are inside lets clinical staff decide the best method of treatment.
What are the benefits of pharmacogenomic testing?
Pharmacogenomic testing will help you understand what medication is personally best for you, improve your quality of life by avoiding side effects & adverse drug reactions, and decrease your risk of the #3 leading cause of death in the US.
What does PGxPharmD stand for?
Pharmacogenomics Doctor of Pharmacy (or Pharmacist)!