If you have ever had to try multiple medications before finding one that works, then you understand how frustrating finding the right medication can be. Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing can help take the frustration out of medication selection. With a simple cheek swab, PGx testing can reveal how your genetics impact your response to medications, allowing your healthcare provider to prescribe treatments most likely to be safe and effective, without the guesswork.
What is PGx Testing?
Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing is a genetic test that analyzes how your body responds to certain medications. Everyone’s genes are unique. This means that two people may have two very different responses to the same medication. While one person might respond well to a certain medication, another may experience little benefit or even harmful side effects. PGx testing identifies these genetic differences, guiding your healthcare provider toward a treatment that’s a better fit for you.
PGx testing can help uncover:
- Which medications are most likely to work well for you
- Which drugs may cause unwanted side effects
- Whether you might need a higher or lower dose for the best results
Why Does PGx Testing Matter
PGx testing typically only needs to be done once in your lifetime. This means your healthcare providers can use your test results for years to come. PGx testing can provide information about the medications you are currently taking or those you may need in the future.
PGx testing can help:
- Reduce trial-and-error prescribing
- Minimize the risk of side effects, drug interactions, and adverse drug events (ADEs)
- Help you feel better, faster
Who Can Benefit from PGx Testing?
PGx testing can help people across all ages and health needs who are taking or considering a new medication. However, some people may find it especially beneficial.
People most likely to benefit include those who:
- Have experienced side effects in the past
- Have had an adverse drug event or have a family history of ADEs
- Have tried multiple medications without success
- Are taking multiple medications at the same time
- Live with chronic health conditions such as anxiety, depression, heart disease, hypertension, pain, and more
How Does PGx Testing Work?
PGx testing is easy and painless. With a Genemarkers PGx Test, your healthcare provider or pharmacist will take a simple cheek swab and send your sample to our HIPAA-compliant laboratory for analysis.
Our lab processes the sample and prepares a detailed, easy-to-read report with your test results. Upon receiving your test results, your healthcare provider will review the information with you and use it to create a personalized treatment plan.
PGx testing empowers you and your healthcare provider to make informed prescribing decisions from the start. Ask your healthcare provider if PGx testing is right for you.
About Genemarkers
Genemarkers is a CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited molecular diagnostic laboratory specializing in precision medicine and pharmacogenomic testing. Our PGx panels help healthcare providers make informed prescribing decisions across a wide range of therapeutic areas, including mental health, cardiology, pain management, urology, and more.
Contact us to learn more about PGx testing.