Undergoing Pharmacogenomics testing may only require you to order a PGx testing kit, do a buccal swab, and return the sample in the prepaid envelope you have received along with your kit. Receive your reports online and use this data to get the best treatment possible. Complete details on how the PGx tests at home work.

Overview of Pharmacogenomics:

Pharmacogenomics, a branch of pharmacology, is the study of how a person’s genome (complete set of genes) can influence their response to certain medications. This is often abbreviated as ‘PGx.’

How does it work?

Different enzymes are responsible for metabolizing different drugs. Based on your DNA, PGx tests give insights into how certain enzymes in your body respond to different medications. There are 4 types of metabolizers, slow, intermediate, normal, and fast – often known as poor, intermediate, extensive, and ultra-extensive metabolizers.

As per NIH, “the most commonly used enzymes for medical purposes are monoamine oxidase and cytochrome P450.”

Can medicines affect individuals differently?

Drugs can affect individuals differently and there are certain factors behind this, such as the age of the individual or drug-drug reactions. The FDA has labeled numerous drugs, particularly those used in mental health treatment, with warnings about how they may affect individuals differently. Adverse drug reactions are classified into 6 types and most are connected to dosages. People may also have critical reactions to certain medications, thus doctors usually take your previous medication history and if you have allergies to any specific salt.

Poor metabolizers:

If you are a poor metabolizer of a specific drug, your body will experience difficulty metabolizing it and removing it from your system. Standard drug doses consumed by a poor metabolizer causes increased drug concentration in the bloodstream, which can result in both increased effectiveness and an elevated risk of side effects, i.e.; liver injury, risk of toxicity, etc.

Intermediate Metabolizers

Extensive metabolizers, also known as normal metabolizers have normal or average drug metabolism rates, meaning their bodies clear most drugs efficiently. Standard drug doses are processed and eliminated normally, thus typically they do not experience issues consuming standard doses.

Extensive Metabolizers

Extensive metabolizers, also known as normal metabolizers have normal or average drug metabolism rates, meaning their bodies clear most drugs efficiently. Standard drug doses are processed and eliminated normally, thus typically they do not experience issues consuming standard doses.

Extensive metabolizers, also known as normal metabolizers have normal or average drug metabolism rates, meaning their bodies clear most drugs efficiently. Standard drug doses are processed and eliminated normally, thus typically they do not experience issues consuming standard doses.

Ultra-extensive metabolizers

Ultra-extensive metabolizers have a very high rate of metabolism, often due to genetic variations or other factors that increase the activity of metabolic enzymes. While they clear drugs rapidly, this can lead to suboptimal drug effectiveness. The drug may be eliminated too quickly before it can exert its therapeutic effects, requiring higher doses to achieve the desired result. In some cases, this fast clearance can lead to increased variability in drug response and treatment challenges, necessitating adjustments in dosing.

It’s important to note that while you may be an Extensive or Ultra-extensive metabolizer in the case of one enzyme, you can perhaps be a poor metabolizer of another enzyme. Moreover, it is worth noting that while Genetic Testing for Mental Health holds special importance, this is not the only area being privileged by this testing. Pharmacogenomic testing is helping doctors in numerous therapeutic areas.

Pharmacogenomics testing at home from RPh LABS provides insights into your genetic makeup and your body’s response to over 250 medications.

In Summary:

Adverse drug reactions are critical and can even cause death. PGx tests or pharmacogenomics testing is gaining popularity due to its clear insights into your genetic makeup, based on which you and your doctor can not only check which drugs to avoid but also set the right dosages based on your genome. These PGx tests do not have any strict expiration date, however, if you have been on critical medications it’s best to consult your healthcare for retesting.

Faqs

Disclaimer: Please note that this blog is for informational purposes. Please consult a doctor before taking any medical action.

References:

Genetically determined differences in drug metabolism as a risk factor in drug toxicity
Pharmacogenomics: The Right Drug to the Right Person
Drug Metabolism