Most people are unaware of the fact that the FDA has labeled certain medications as they can affect individuals differently. Pharmacogenomics tests often known as PGx tests provide insights into your genetic makeup that help doctors tailor medications and reduce the trial-and-errors, especially in areas like mental health, where individual responses to drugs can vary widely. Pharmacogenomics testing at home is becoming famous as it is non-invasive and doesn’t even require your urine. Typically, all it takes is a little bit of your saliva collected with the help of a cheek swab.

By analyzing how your genes affect your response to specific medications, PGx testing enables healthcare providers to prescribe drugs that are more effective and cause fewer side effects.

FDA Labelled Drugs

Several mental health medications approved by the FDA come with warnings that they can affect individuals differently due to variations in genetic makeup, metabolism, or individual response.

Here are five commonly prescribed mental health medications that are often labeled with such warnings:

1. Clozapine (Clozaril)

Use: Primarily used to treat schizophrenia, particularly in patients who haven’t responded to other antipsychotic medications.

FDA Warning: Clozapine can have varying effects on individuals, especially related to metabolism and side effects. It has a risk of agranulocytosis (a severe decrease in white blood cells), and genetic differences in drug metabolism can influence both efficacy and side effects.

2. Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Use: Often prescribed for bipolar disorder, epilepsy, and trigeminal neuralgia.

FDA Warning: The drug can affect individuals differently based on genetic variations, particularly in relation to a risk of severe skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome. The FDA recommends genetic testing (for HLA-B*1502 allele) before starting treatment in certain populations.

3. Warfarin (Coumadin)

Use: Though not typically a “mental health” medication, it’s often used in psychiatric patients (e.g., for stroke prevention in people with atrial fibrillation or those with mental health issues who are at risk of clotting).

FDA Warning: Warfarin affects people differently due to genetic variations that influence its metabolism (e.g., CYP2C9 and VKORC1 polymorphisms), requiring careful dose adjustments and monitoring.

4. Atypical Antipsychotics (e.g., Olanzapine [Zyprexa], Risperidone [Risperdal])

Use: Used for treating schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and sometimes major depressive disorder.

FDA Warning: These drugs can cause different effects, particularly concerning metabolic side effects (e.g., weight gain, diabetes risk) and extrapyramidal symptoms. Genetic factors can influence how these medications are metabolized, affecting both effectiveness and risk of side effects.

5. Fluoxetine (Prozac)

Use: A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.

FDA Warning: Like other SSRIs, fluoxetine can affect individuals differently due to variations in the cytochrome P450 enzymes (especially CYP2D6), which can influence how the drug is processed in the body. Some individuals may experience side effects or insufficient efficacy depending on their genetic makeup.

How Pharmacogenomics Testing Works?

Pharmacogenomics testing involves analyzing DNA to determine how your body metabolizes various medications. Each drug contains specific salts or chemical compounds, which are broken down by enzymes in the body. However, the speed and efficiency at which individuals metabolize these compounds vary—some are rapid metabolizers, while others may be normal or poor metabolizers. This genetic variability affects how well a medication works for you or whether it may cause adverse side effects.

The process is simple: once a sample is collected, it is analyzed to identify specific genetic markers that influence drug metabolism. This information helps healthcare providers choose medications that are both safe and effective, tailoring treatments to each individual’s genetic profile. Order a PGx testing kit now.

Importantly, while your genetic makeup remains unchanged, you do not necessarily need a new PGx test even after a few years of testing. However, since the research in the medical field is continuously evolving, you may consult with your doctor if you need retesting. Especially, if you have been on any serious medication.

According to the FDA, “Pharmacogenomics can play an important role in identifying responders and non-responders to medications, avoiding adverse events, and optimizing drug dose.”

Do You Need a Prescription for At-Home PGx Testing?

In most cases, a prescription is required to undergo PGx testing, as the results influence medical decisions that must be overseen by a healthcare professional. However, this varies depending on your state’s regulations and the testing provider.

Why Get Your Pharmacogenomics Test from RPh Labs?

RPh Labs is a trusted provider for PGx testing, offering convenience and accuracy at every step:

• COLA Accreditation: Ensures high standards in laboratory practices.
• HIPAA Compliant: Your information is protected.
• Expert Guidance: Lab supervisors to help you understand your test results.
• Privacy-Protected Portals: Your test results are uploaded to a secure online portal, accessible only by you.
• User-Friendly Process: Order your PGx kit online, swab your cheek upon receiving the kit, place the swab in the provided tube, and send it back using the prepaid envelope.
• Buy Now & Pay Later: You may pay for your PGx test in 4 interest-free installments.

The reports generated by RPh Labs are straightforward and easy to understand. However, it’s always recommended to consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medication regimen based on PGx results. Unsure how to proceed? Check out how it works.

Summary:

PGx testing offers an invaluable tool for personalized medicine, allowing individuals to receive the most effective treatments with minimal risk. With RPh Labs, undergoing pharmacogenomics testing has become more convenient than ever, order a kit, do a cheek swab, return the sample, and see your results on an online password protected portal. Take control of your health and unlock the benefits of personalized medicine today.

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and discussion purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions regarding your health or treatment.