SPRING SPECIALS ON NOW

  1. Home
  2. Pharmacogenomics FAQ

Pharmacogenomics FAQ

Pharmacogenetic testing may help to:

  • Select a certain medicine that could be most effective for you
  • Determine the right dose from the start
  • Predict whether you will have a serious side effect from a medicine

 

  •  What groups of medicines does it affect?

There are a wide range of medicines affected by your genetic ability to process them including medicines used for mental health (depression, ADHD, anxiety and more), pain (opioids, anti-inflammatories and more) cardiology (cholesterol lowering statins, beta blockers, and other heart medications), gastrointestinal meds (nausea, reflux, ulcers and more), and oncology to name a few.

  • Why should I get a test?

If you (or a member of your family) have previously struggled with finding the right medicine or would like to ensure you have the information on file for any future health concern, then a Pharmacogenomics test is right for you. Pharmacogenetic tests are not available for all medicines. However, they are useful for many common medicines, including those used in cardiology, gastroenterology, oncology (cancer treatment), pain management and psychiatry.

  • Why do I need a Pharmacist to do the test for me?

A Pharmacist trained in Pharmacogenomics is the ideal person to interpret your test for you. The report is very comprehensive and provides a lot of information. Our trained pharmacist, Liz, can simplify the information, highlight what is relevant and provide a summary for your health practitioner in a format that is easy to use.

  • Are Pharmacogenomic (PGx) results 100% accurate?

The accuracy of Pharmacogenomic tests depends on several factors, but they are generally very accurate and we only work with the best companies to ensure they are accredited to provide testing services. PGx testing is really good at giving us clues about how you might react to medications based on your genes. It's a big step towards making sure you get the best possible treatment.

  • Where are my results stored?

Your test results are kept safe and private, just like your medical records. They’re stored in a secure place where only your healthcare team can get to them, so you don’t have to worry about anyone accessing these results. They will only be used for the purpose of ensuring you get the best outcome from your medications to provide you with a better quality of life.

  • Can my results change?

Your DNA stays the same, your results do not change, but as we learn more about genetics and medicine, we might find new ways to use your results that could make your results even more helpful. Think of it as updating your phone – the basics stay the same, but it gets better over time. 

  • Does the test affect my insurance plan?

The results of Pharmacogenomics tests are not communicated with anyone without your consent. The results are kept strictly confidential in your electronic patient file, and only used for the purpose for which you were tested, to help us tailor medications to your genes to give you the best possible health outcomes faster.

  • Does this mean my kids are affected too?

Since they share some of your genes, there's a chance they might have similar responses to medications. If you find something useful in your PGx test, it might be worth considering having them tested as well. Since, it is a simple cheek swab it will be easy to get them to obtain a sample. It’s all about keeping the whole family healthy and this is a lifetime investment in the future and health of your kids giving them the best chances of a better quality of life.

  • What if I don't get this test as I can’t afford it?

You will not be disadvantaged by not getting tested – it may just take longer to find a medicine that a perfect fit for you.

  • How will the PGx results help my health?

By knowing exactly how your body reacts to certain meds, your doctor can skip the ones that might not work well for you and go straight to the ones that will. It's all about eliminating the typical ‘trial-and-error’ approach of healthcare which often results in increased doctor visits, healthcare costs and poor quality of life until you eventually find the treatment that works for you. A PGx test is a simple, once-in-a-lifetime cheek swab that gets you feeling better, faster, and with fewer side effects, providing you with a quicker way to reach an optimal quality of life. Let’s face it, no one wants to be sicker for longer!

  • Will the test results give me information about my health condition?

No. The genes analysed in a pharmacogenomic test are only those known to affect medicine response. Pharmacogenomic testing is not the same thing as genetic testing. Genetic tests that are done for health reasons can help diagnose diseases. They may also provide information about your risk for certain diseases. Pharmacogenomic testing cannot diagnose any conditions or tell you about your risk for developing them.

  • Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

You should not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum for 60 minutes before the test. PLEASE ALSO DOWNLOAD AND COMPLETE THE PATIENT FORM AND BRING TO YOUR CONSULTATION 

 

More questions? Watch our Vlog Series