Pharmacogenomics Testing

Pharmacogenomics Testing

Pharmacogenomics Testing – Could Your Genes Be Affecting How Your Medicines Work?
Have you ever wondered why a medication that works wonders for one person barely makes a difference for another? Or why some people experience terrible side effects while others take the same drug with no issues? The answer lies in your genes, and Pharmacogenomics Testing.

Pharmacogenomics is revolutionising healthcare by helping us understand how an individual’s unique genetic makeup affects their response to medications. This means we can now tailor drug treatments specifically to you—maximising effectiveness while minimising risks.

What is Pharmacogenomics?

Pharmacogenomics is the study of how your genes influence your body’s ability to process and respond to medications. Each of us has small genetic variations that determine how quickly or slowly our bodies metabolise certain drugs. These variations can mean the difference between a treatment that works well, does nothing, or even causes harmful side effects.

By analysing your genetic profile, doctors can make more precise decisions about which medications will work best for you—and at what dosage.

Pharmacogenomics vs Pharmacogenetics

A common question is, “pharmacogenomics vs pharmacogenetics—are they the same?” While they are closely related, there are some differences:

  • Pharmacogenetics focuses on how individual genes affect drug response.
  • Pharmacogenomics takes a broader approach, looking at the entire genome and how different genetic variations influence medication effectiveness.

Essentially, pharmacogenetics is a subset of pharmacogenomics, but both fields work together to optimise drug therapy.

How Does Pharmacogenomics Work?

  • Sample Collection: A small blood sample is taken.

  • Genetic Analysis: The sample is analysed in a laboratory to identify genetic variations that affect drug metabolism.

  • Report Generation: Your results outline which medications are most suitable for you. It takes 8 weeks for the results to be ready.

  • GP Consultation: Our GPs will use this information to tailor a treatment plan specifically for you.

Once tested, your genetic information remains valid for life—you won’t need to repeat the test every time you start a new medication. The test is comprehensive and tests for 129 commonly prescribed medications.

What Are Pharmacogenomics Used For?

Beyond clinical assessments, nutrition plans are built around a full understanding of lifestyle and dietary habits, including:

  • Cancer Pharmacogenomics: Helps determine the most effective chemotherapy drugs for individual cancer patients while minimising toxic side effects.

  • Mental Health: Guides the selection of antidepressants and antipsychotic medications to reduce the risk of side effects and improve treatment response.

  • Cardiology: Optimises treatment for high blood pressure, heart disease, and blood-thinning medications like Clopidogrel or Warfarin.

  • Pain Management: Helps identify which opioids or NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) will be most effective and safest for a patient.

The Benefits of Pharmacogenomics

Instead of a “one-size-fits-all” approach, pharmacogenomics enables tailored treatment:

  • Personalised Treatment: Instead of guessing, our GPs can prescribe medications tailored to your genetic profile, meaning fewer adjustments and better results.

  • Reduced Side Effects: By identifying medications that don’t suit your metabolism, pharmacogenomics can help you avoid adverse reactions, from mild discomfort to severe complications.

  • Faster Recovery: Why go through months of trial and error? Get the right medication from the start and feel better sooner.

  • Cost Savings: By skipping ineffective treatments and unnecessary doctor visits, pharmacogenomics helps reduce medical costs in the long run.

  • Long-Term Value: Your genetic makeup doesn’t change. Once you’ve had the test, you can use the results for life—whenever you need a new prescription.

Who Can Benefit from Pharmacogenomic Testing?

Pharmacogenomics can be life-changing for many people, but it’s particularly beneficial if:

  • You’ve experienced side effects from medications in the past.
  • You take multiple medications (polypharmacy) and want to avoid harmful drug interactions.
  • You’re being treated for chronic conditions like depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, or chronic pain.
  • You’re about to start a new medication and want to ensure it’s the best choice for you.
  • You have a family history of adverse drug reactions.

  • Book a Consultation – Speak with one of our expert Doctors about whether pharmacogenomic testing is right for you.

  • Take the Test – We’ll arrange a quick and painless sample collection.

  • Receive Your Results – When the results are ready, we will contact you to set up your post-test consultation so that we can discuss your results with you in detail.

  • Optimise Your Treatment – We will use your results to fine-tune your medications for the best possible outcome.

  • For our Pharmacogenomics Testing fees, click here

What I Learned from My Test Results

I always knew that medicine wasn’t one-size-fits-all, but I hadn’t realised just how much my genetic makeup could impact the way my body responds to treatment. My pharmacogenomics test results highlighted some key areas where I metabolise medications differently from what might be expected—some too quickly, some too slowly, and others in a way that could make them ineffective or even risky.

One result that stood out was how my body processes Tamoxifen, a drug commonly prescribed for hormone-positive breast cancer. The test showed that my body metabolises it in a way that could significantly reduce its effectiveness. That’s not just an interesting insight—it’s potentially life-altering information. If I were to be prescribed Tamoxifen in the future, I’d now know to have a conversation with my doctor about alternative treatments or dosage adjustments.

The same applied to painkillers. Some of the most commonly used pain medications might not work well for me, while others could cause stronger side effects than normal. I also learned that certain antidepressants and cardiovascular drugs could be less effective due to my genetic profile. That’s the kind of information I’d rather have before taking a medication rather than finding out the hard way through trial and error.

This test has given me a deeper understanding of my own health and how I respond to medications. It’s empowering to know that I can make more informed choices about my treatment, working with my doctor to find the most effective and safest options for me. Rather than relying on trial and error, I now have a clear, personalised guide to what works best for my body. It’s a level of insight I didn’t have before, and I feel much more in control of my healthcare as a result.

What I Learned from My Test Results

I always knew that medicine wasn’t one-size-fits-all, but I hadn’t realised just how much my genetic makeup could impact the way my body responds to treatment. My pharmacogenomics test results highlighted some key areas where I metabolise medications differently from what might be expected—some too quickly, some too slowly, and others in a way that could make them ineffective or even risky.

One result that stood out was how my body processes Tamoxifen, a drug commonly prescribed for hormone-positive breast cancer. The test showed that my body metabolises it in a way that could significantly reduce its effectiveness. That’s not just an interesting insight—it’s potentially life-altering information. If I were to be prescribed Tamoxifen in the future, I’d now know to have a conversation with my doctor about alternative treatments or dosage adjustments.

The same applied to painkillers. Some of the most commonly used pain medications might not work well for me, while others could cause stronger side effects than normal. I also learned that certain antidepressants and cardiovascular drugs could be less effective due to my genetic profile. That’s the kind of information I’d rather have before taking a medication rather than finding out the hard way through trial and error.

This test has given me a deeper understanding of my own health and how I respond to medications. It’s empowering to know that I can make more informed choices about my treatment, working with my doctor to find the most effective and safest options for me. Rather than relying on trial and error, I now have a clear, personalised guide to what works best for my body. It’s a level of insight I didn’t have before, and I feel much more in control of my healthcare as a result.

Book a Pharmacogenomics Consultation Today

Your health is too important to rely on guesswork. If you’re starting a new medication or struggling with your current prescriptions, pharmacogenomic testing could provide the clarity you need.

Find out which medications are right for you—book your pharmacogenomic consultation today by booking a GP appointment.