Pharmacogenomics (PGx): Genetic Testing

Take the Guesswork Out of Prescription Medication

CareWell Health is passionate about providing cutting-edge technology that increases the quality of our patient’s health and safety. We now offer genetic testing to further individualize patient care and improve prescription medicine treatment. “Pharmacogenomics,” or PGx testing for short, can help your doctor develop personalized prevention and treatment plans.

PGx testing identifies how genes affect the body’s reaction to a medication, helping healthcare providers determine which medication will be the safest and most effective for each patient. Every person’s DNA carries genetic information that determines individual characteristics, including how the body responds to certain medications.

PGx testing takes the guesswork out of finding the right medication by looking for variations in those genes to assess the correct dosage, adverse side effects, and the medication that will be most effective for your treatment plan.

Who Should Use PGx Testing?

The more information your healthcare provider has, the better treatment they can provide. PGx testing will benefit anyone who wants to know:

• If a medication is right for them,
• What their personalized, effective dosage recommendations should be, and/or
• If they are likely to experience any adverse effects from that medication.

Adults and children who are not responding to their prescribed medication, who have had significant side effects, or who are taking multiple medications are especially encouraged to speak with their doctor or a CareWell Health physician about PGx testing.

PGx testing is the future of personalized health care, allowing your doctor to manage your health and prescription medications more effectively. Medication is an effective treatment for many diseases and physical conditions. However, while one medication may act as a lifesaving tool for one patient, it may also cause adverse reactions in another.

According to the US FDA, adverse medication reactions are one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. The goal of PGx testing is to deliver the right dose of the right medication to the right patient.

How Does PGx Genetic Testing Work?

Did you know that your body naturally alters medication when it’s introduced to your system – and that some people metabolize medication quicker than others?

PGx testing examines your DNA and studies drug metabolism, which is how genes affect the body’s response to a medication, to help determine the best prescription options. Depending on your genes, you may require a different dose or a completely different medication to lower the risk of adverse effects and maximize potential success.

Having a genetic profile report through a PGx test will help your doctor choose and monitor the right medication for you.

Behavioral Health: Individualized Medication for Peace of Mind

Medication management is one of the most important aspects of mental health. When we know your genetic profile, we gain insight into how medications used to treat mental health conditions may impact you. That can reduce the need for multiple medication trials – and help get you back to your best self, faster than traditional prescription methods.

By using PGx testing with your behavioral health care program, your doctor will have a clearer picture of how your body will react to potential medications and dosages – before prescribing your medication.

Genetic testing allows your doctor to create the most informed treatment plan, reducing your risk and discomfort and helping you to feel better faster.

How We Test

A DNA sample is collected through a cheek swab and sent to the lab to be tested. In about 3-4 days upon approval from insurance and receipt of sample, your healthcare provider will receive a comprehensive report detailing your results. With this information, your doctor will be able to plan the best course of action specifically for you.

Your doctor will also be able to determine the potential effectiveness of over 150 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medications used in the treatment or management of many conditions, including cardiovascular, behavioral (mental) health, pain, infection, autoimmune, and cancer; as well as those utilized in urology, rheumatology, gastroenterology and neurology.

Want to learn more or schedule a test?

To learn more about PGx testing or to schedule your genetic test, just fill in the form below. A CareWell Health professional will reach out to you soon.