Finding the best long-term prescription is often much easier said than done.
Whether you require antidepressants, statins, or pain medication, you’ve likely experienced the frustrating cycle of trial-and-error when it comes to finding the right medication for your needs. As well as causing stress, exploring new medications can also be an arduous process to go through, often involving periods of adjustment, new prescriptions, and side effect management.
Many people mistakenly assume that this is just the way it has to be. However, recent research has unveiled that your genetics may play a key part in how your body reacts to different medications. Read on to find out how pharmacogenetic testing is paving the way for precision medicine and personalised prescribing.
What is pharmacogenomics testing?
Also known as PGx testing, pharmacogenomics is the study of how your genes can affect your body’s unique response to medicines. Certain genetic variations can influence how efficiently your body absorbs, distributes, metabolises, and eliminates certain medications, affecting:
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How quickly your body breaks down a certain medication
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Whether a drug is likely to be effective
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Your likelihood of experiencing side effects
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How your body responds to different dosages
While PGx testing is still developing within NHS pathways, private pharmacogenetic testing is becoming much more accessible in the UK. Pharmacogenomics is leading the way for precision medicine, highlighting how healthcare can (and should) be tailored to the individual rather than the average.
What do pharmacogenomics tests specifically test for?
Pharmacogenomics tests in the UK analyse specific enzyme groups in the body, particularly those linked to the CYP450 system. These enzymes are responsible for metabolising many common medications.
How can PGx testing help with prescribed medications?
In the UK, most medications are prescribed based on clinical guidelines, studies, and patient symptoms. While this approach is effective for many, it fails to account for individual genetic differences.
Two people can take the same medication at the same dose and have completely different experiences. For example, some people are fast metabolisers, meaning they break down drugs quickly, which can reduce effectiveness. Others are slow metabolisers, meaning medication stays in the body for longer, potentially increasing the risk of side effects.
A DNA test for medication in the UK can help identify these patterns, offering additional insights that may support more personalised prescribing decisions.
Please note: When it comes to medication prescription, genetics is just one factor. Lifestyle, age, other medications, and general health also play an important role in finding the right medication for you.
4 signs that your genes could be affecting your medication
If you’ve experienced any of the following, you may find pharmacogenomics testing beneficial. The results from this simple test could offer valuable insight into why you find it so difficult to find the right medication for your needs.
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You don’t feel like your medication is working (and it’s not the first time)
You’ve been taking your prescription as advised, but you’re not seeing or feeling the expected results. This is a very common issue with mental health medications, where finding the right fit can take time.
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You’re experiencing negative side effects
Some people are more sensitive to certain medications because of how their bodies process them. This can result in adverse effects even at standard doses.
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You feel worse after starting medication
If your medication seems to make certain symptoms worse (something often reported with antidepressants), this may be a sign that your body isn’t responding as expected.
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You’ve gone through the medication trial-and-error cycle multiple times
If your treatment plan has involved multiple switches and adjustments, this may indicate that there could be a deeper, potentially genetic factor affecting how your body responds to medication.
It’s also important to note that pharmacogenomics testing isn’t just for those experiencing the signs above. If you feel uncertain about starting a new prescription, or you’re simply curious about how your body responds to different medications, genetic testing for medication response can offer additional insight. These insights can then be used to support a discussion with a healthcare professional.
How does the pharmacogenomics (PGx) test work?
Our Pharmacogenomics (PGx) Test is a simple, non-invasive test designed to reveal how your DNA may influence your response to medication. All that is required is a quick, at-home cheek swab to collect your DNA sample.
Once your sample is received by the testing lab, it is carefully analysed to identify genetic variations linked to medication metabolism and response. You’ll also receive a clear report outlining:
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How your body may metabolise certain medications
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Any potential sensitivities or side effect risks
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Insights that may support conversations about dosage or medication choice with a healthcare professional
As part of the test package, you’ll also receive a PGx expert-led consultation. During a one-to-one call, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your results with a specialist. They will be able to help you understand what your results mean in the context of your health.
Why is a genetic test to find the right medication worth the investment?
Pharmacogenomics tests in the UK offer long-term value, simply because your DNA doesn’t change. The Pharmacogenomics (PGx) Test provides insights that remain relevant over time, meaning you can use your results to support current and future treatment decisions.
Order your Pharmacogenomics (PGx) Test today
If you’ve struggled with finding the right medication for your needs, pharmacogenomics testing may help you better understand how your DNA could be influencing your response.
Learn more about the Pharmacogenomics (PGx) Test today and gain long-term insight from a quick, simple cheek swab.