What is pharmacogenetics or PGx?
The fact is that some medications seem to help some people and not others.
Ever wonder why?
Have you ever stopped a medicine because you didn’t think it was working for you, or it was working and then stopped, or it just made you feel bad?
Is there a way to find out if a medicine will work for you before you take it?
PGx is a way to answer these questions. PGx is the study of how your genes may affect your body’s response to, or interaction with medications, and that includes both prescription medicines and over-the-counter ones. It is possible through PGx to determine if some medicines will fast or slow for you, or whether they will have side effects. This is an exciting new way for your doctors to best determine what medicines to prescribe for you as an individual not just another patient.
How is PGx done and what does it test?
Either a small blood sample or saliva sample is all that is needed. Each medicine is associated with a different pharmacogenetic test. The need for testing is determine on an individual basis with you and your health care provider. It may indicate a similar response to medicines may be possible in other family members so they should be tested as well.
PGx determines:
- Whether the medicine will be effective for you
- The best dose of the medicine for you
- Whether you could have any serious side effects from the medicine
Why would my doctor recommend PGx?
PGx testing will help guide your current or future medication use. It is important for the following reasons.
- To avoid or prevent serious side effects related to certain medications
- To adjust the dose of a current medication or recommend a different medication
- To identify a medication, or dose of a medication, most likely to work for you before you take it
Will PGx affect my medical insurance, life insurance, disability insurance or long-term care insurance?
GINA, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, prohibits medical insurance companies and employers from discriminating against individuals on the basis of genetic information, including PGx test results. This federal law does not protect you against genetic discrimination by life insurance, disability insurance or long-term care insurance companies. Some states have laws in this area.
How much does PGx cost?
The cost varies depending on the particular test that is ordered. Insurance coverage varies depending on your policy and the reasons for the PGx testing.
Medicare can provide coverage depending on the testing and your situation. A good example is pharmacogenomic testing of CYP2C9 or VKORC1 alleles to predict warfarin responsiveness (blood thinner). It is covered only when provided to Medicare beneficiaries who have not been previously tested for CYP2C9 or VKORC1 alleles.
