While we tend to share unique genetic makeup, getting the same drugs and dosages without knowing how they may affect our bodies involves trial and error. Pharmacogenomics (PGx), by giving insights into our genome, allows healthcare specialists to tailor medication based on an individual’s genetic makeup. This lays out the major Pharmacogenomic Testing Benefits by decreasing the side effects while increasing its efficacy.

How PGx Testing Helps in Medications and Treatment

The pharmacogenomics test is commonly known as the PGx test. This test is typically non-invasive, requiring just your saliva or a cheek swab. Modern pharmacogenomics labs like RPh LABS offer at-home PGx testing options, this is where a testing kit is mailed to you, requiring you to fill a cylinder-like test tube with saliva or simply do a cheek swab by running a buccal swab inside your cheek. Upon sending this sample, the laboratory shall test and upload your results to a safe online portal within x (e.g., 7 or 10 days) number of days.

Let’s take a deep dive into how PGx benefits medication.

PGx helps Eliminate Trial and Error

• Problem: Trying multiple medications before finding the right one, especially in mental health medications, where doctors may give you a smaller dose, whereas you require a higher one, or vice versa.
• Solution: Pharmacogenomic testing (PGx testing) helps doctors select the most effective drug and the right dosage for each patient based on their genetic profile.
• Benefit: This approach saves time, money, and most importantly, you, from becoming a victim of trial and error.

Optimizes Mental Health Medications

• Problem: Often metabolized in the liver, mental health medications, such as venlafaxine, can be hit-or-miss, and the side effects sometimes even complicate the symptoms.
• Solution: Pharmacogenomic testing for mental health identifies genetic variations that impact how a patient may respond to different medications.
• Benefit: Based on how an individual’s body may respond, doctors can tailor treatments that perhaps increase the effectiveness of drugs and minimize adverse effects.

Did you know?

Venlafaxine XR is a mental health drug primarily metabolized by the CYP2D6 enzyme. While this drug is indicated for certain issues, including panic disorder, it comes with certain warnings and precautions as well, which are highlighted in the FDA label. If you want to learn more on CYP2D6 enzyme then pick Rph’s guide.

A Pharmacogenomic testing kit shows how your body may respond to different medications based on the type of metabolizer you are, reducing the chances of adverse side effects.

Improves Cancer Treatment

• Problem: Cancer medications, such as methotrexate, are metabolized in the liver and thus work differently for individuals, and the wrong treatment can cause severe side effects or be ineffective.
• Solution: PGx testing for cancer treatment may be recommended by doctors as it helps them choose the right drugs by analyzing the patient’s genetic makeup.
• Benefit: This targeted approach increases the likelihood of successful treatment while minimising unnecessary side effects and ineffective therapies.

Helps Manage Autoimmune Diseases

• Problem: Numerous autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus require long-term treatment with medications that can be hard to tailor to an individual’s needs.
• Solution: Pharmacogenomic testing identifies the drugs (along with the right dosage) most likely to work based on a patient’s genetic profile, ensuring better management of chronic autoimmune conditions.
• Benefit: By prescribing the right drugs and right dosage from the beginning, PGx testing reduces the trial-and-error process and helps control symptoms more effectively.

We can take an example of methotrexate here, a drug that may be prescribed in treating rheumatoid arthritis, which is metabolized in the liver, and the dosage of which may be managed according to an individual’s genetic profile.

Pros and Cons of Pharmacogenomic Testing

While there are no actual negatives of a PGx test, on top of the pros, the following table sheds light on some of the supposed cons:

Pros	Cons
Reduced side effects – By choosing drugs that suit a person’s genetics.	Cost – The test can be expensive, and insurance may not always cover it. *To keep it affordable for everyone, we offer a 0% interest 4-month payment plan.
Better drug efficacy – Medications are tailored to a person’s genetic makeup.	Availability – Not all healthcare providers offer PGx testing.
Personalized care – Ensures that treatments are effective and safe for the individual.	Interpretation complexity – Understanding genetic results can sometimes be difficult. *However, not with RPh LABS – our reports are easy enough that almost anyone can read and understand them.
Faster recovery – Patients start the right treatment immediately.	Limited scope – Not all medications are currently included in pharmacogenomic testing.

Conclusion:

Pharmacogenomic testing can help increase drug efficacy and reduce the risks of adverse reactions.
Typically, these tests are non-invasive, requiring just your saliva or a cheek swab. A PGx test may help in numerous treatments, such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, and most importantly, mental health medications.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. While we strive for accuracy, errors or omissions may occur.
Some images in this blog may be AI-generated or for illustrative purposes only.