Pharmacogenomic Testing

Understanding Pharmacogenomic Testing

Pharmacogenomic testing, sometimes referred to as pharmacogenetics, looks at how your genetic makeup influences your response to certain medicines. Your genes, inherited from your parents, carry instructions that affect many aspects of your body, including how you process medications.

Some people may respond well to a particular medicine, while others may not benefit or could experience side effects. These differences are often due to variations in specific genes that affect how medicines are absorbed, broken down, or used in the body.

Pharmacogenomic testing helps identify these variations, allowing healthcare professionals to recommend the most suitable medicine and dosage for you. This is part of a broader approach known as precision medicine, which considers your genetics, lifestyle, and environment to tailor treatment.

At our community pharmacy, we offer pharmacogenomic testing as part of our commitment to personalised care.

What Can the Test Help With?

Pharmacogenomic testing may be used to:

• Determine whether a medicine is likely to be effective for you
• Help decide the right dose for your body
• Identify whether you’re at risk of side effects from a particular medicine

When Might You Need It?

Your doctor or pharmacist may suggest this test before starting a new medicine, especially if there’s concern about how you might respond. It may also be helpful if you’re already taking a medicine that isn’t working well or is causing unwanted effects.

Not all medicines require this type of testing, but it is commonly used for:

• Abacavir (used in HIV treatment)
• Carbamazepine (for epilepsy)
• Tamoxifen (for breast cancer)
• Warfarin and clopidogrel (blood thinners)

How Is the Test Done?

The test can be carried out using:

• A blood sample – taken from a vein in your arm
• A saliva sample – collected by spitting into a tube or using a swab
• A cheek swab – gently rubbed on the inside of your cheek

Some tests can be done at home using a saliva kit, but these are not always reliable for making treatment decisions. It’s best to speak with your pharmacist or healthcare provider before using one.

Do You Need to Prepare?

Usually, no special preparation is needed. However:

• For saliva tests, avoid eating, drinking, smoking, or chewing gum for 30 minutes beforehand
• For cheek swabs, you may be asked to rinse your mouth first

Are There Any Risks?

• Blood tests may cause minor discomfort or bruising
• Saliva and cheek swabs are non-invasive and carry no known risks

What Do the Results Mean?

The results will show whether you have certain genetic traits that affect how your body handles specific medicines. These results won’t diagnose any health conditions, but can guide your treatment plan.

Your pharmacist or healthcare provider will use this information, along with your medical history, to recommend the most appropriate medicine and dosage. If a particular medicine isn’t suitable, alternatives can be considered.

A Note on Genetic vs Pharmacogenetic Testing

It’s important to know that pharmacogenetic testing is different from general genetic testing. While genetic tests can assess your risk for certain diseases, pharmacogenetic tests focus solely on how your body responds to medicines.

If you’d like to learn more or book a test, feel free to speak with our pharmacy team. We’re here to help you get the most out of your treatment.