How this work?
Most drugs are broken down (metabolized) in the body by various enzymes. In some cases, an active drug is made inactive (or less active) through metabolism. In other cases, an inactive (or less active) drug is made more active through metabolism.
Individual response to a drug may also be related to variability in the drug target, for example a protein that the drug binds to in order to produce its specific effect. Furthermore, individuals may experience side effects (known as hypersensitivity reactions) from certain medications due to variability in proteins involved in the immune response.
Patients can exhibit inconsistent responses to drug therapies which are influenced by variations in DNA coding of the Cytochrome P450 enzyme family. Identifying CYP450 polymorphisms in 2D6, 2C19, 3A4 and 3A5 will indicate the rate at which patients can be expected to metabolize a drug. These tests can classify a patient as an ultra-rapid metabolizer, extensive (normal) metabolizer, intermediate metabolizer or poor metabolizer.
Patients who are poor metabolizers may have an increased risk of drug-induced side effects, or may experience inadequate pain relief.
The purpose of DNA Drugs metabolism testing is to find out if a medication is right for you. A small blood or saliva sample can help determine:
- Whether a medication may be an effective treatment for you
- What the best dose of a medication is for you
- Whether you could have serious side effects from a medication
The laboratory looks for changes or variants in one or more genes that can affect your response to certain medications.
Each person would need to have the same specific pharmacogenomics test only once because your genetic makeup does not change over time. However, you may need other pharmacogenomics tests if you take another medication. Each medication is associated with a different pharmacogenomics test. Keep track of all your test results and share them with your health care providers.
