Have you ever wondered why the same medication may work differently for different people? Factors such as age, health history, lifestyle, and genetics may influence how the body processes medications.
Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing provides information about genetic variations that may affect medication response, while compounding pharmacies provide customized medication options when prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Why Do People Respond Differently to Medications?
- Genetics
- Age
- Medical history
- Other medications
- Lifestyle factors
- Organ function
Two people may take the same medication at the same dose and experience different responses. Genetics are one factor that may contribute to these differences. That’s where Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing comes into play.
What Is Pharmacogenomic Testing?
- PGx testing examines specific genetic variations that may influence how the body metabolizes certain medications.
- Whether you may be more sensitive to certain drugs
- Whether a standard dose may need to be adjusted
- Whether another medication may be a better fit for your care plan
- Genetic differences may affect how quickly or slowly some medications are processed.
- Results may provide additional information for healthcare providers when evaluating medication options.
What Information Does PGx Testing Provide?
| PGx Testing May Provide Information About | Why It Matters |
| Medication metabolism pathways | May help providers understand how a person processes certain medications |
| Genetic variations related to drug response | May provide additional information during medication reviews |
| Potential medication considerations | May support conversations between patients and providers to help guide and optimize drug therapy to minimize medication side effects |
PGx testing information gives your healthcare provider another layer of insight when reviewing your medications, health history, and treatment goals.
The Role of Compounding in Personalized Medication Care
While PGx testing provides information about how genetics may influence medication response, compounding focuses on preparing medications in specific strengths, dosage forms, or combinations when appropriate.
Compounding May Allow for:
- Customized dosage strengths when prescribed
- Alternative dosage forms such as capsules, creams, gels, or other preparations
- Ingredient adjustments for patients with specific sensitivities
How PGx Testing and Compounding May Complement Each Other
| Pharmacogenomic Testing | Compounding |
| Provides genetic information related to medication response | Provides flexibility in medication preparation and dosing |
| Focuses on how a person’s body may process medications | Allows for flexibility in medication preparation based on patient medication response |
| Helps to inform medication and therapy decisions | Helps create prescribed customized formulations |
PGx testing and compounding address different parts of medication management. PGx testing provides genetic information, while compounding provides preparation options based on a prescriber’s treatment plan.
Who Should Consider Discussing PGx Testing With Their Provider?
Pharmacogenomic testing may be especially helpful for patients that:
- Take multiple medications
- Have experienced unwanted side effects from a medication
- Have had a medication that did not work as expected
- Are starting certain new medications
- Want a more personalized approach to your treatment
- Have medication or formulation sensitivities
If you think you may be a good candidate for PGx testing or are interested in learning more, discuss it with your healthcare provider.
The Importance of Collaboration Between Patients, Providers, and Pharmacists
- Provider evaluates medical history and treatment goals
- PGx testing may provide additional genetic information
- Pharmacists provide medication expertise and compounding options when appropriate
Pharmacogenomic testing and compounding represent two different approaches that may support individualized medication care. By combining genetic information, clinical expertise, and pharmacy capabilities, healthcare providers can better evaluate medication options for each patient’s unique situation.
How the PGx Process Works at Central Ohio Compounding Pharmacy
1.
Order Your FlexHealth Test
Book a consultation with a pharmacist or order a test kit to begin the process
2.
Complete a Simple Cheek Swab
Sample collection is quick, painless, and non-invasive.
3.
Laboratory Analysis
Your sample is analyzed for specific genes related to medication response.
4.
Access Your Results Report
A comprehensive report is prepared so a COCP pharmacist can review how your genetic profile may affect certain medications.
5.
Review with a Pharmacist
A pharmacist reviews the report alongside your medical history, diagnosis, and current medications.
6.
Receive Personalized Medication Guidance
A pharmacist along with your provider can use the report’s insights to help confirm or adjust your medication plan when appropriate.
Privacy You Can Feel Confident About
Your health information should stay yours. FlexHealth does not sell your personal information or results. Your confidentiality and privacy are central to the process.
FlexHealth also does not perform full DNA sequencing. PGx testing focuses on genetic information related to medication response.
Important Things to Know
PGx testing is one part of your overall care plan. It does not diagnose disease and does not replace your healthcare provider’s clinical judgment.
Because your genes generally do not change, your PGx results may remain useful throughout your lifetime. Your provider will interpret your results in the full context of your health history, current medications, and treatment needs.
Order Your Pharmacogenomic Testing Kit
Frequently Asked Questions About Pharmacogenomic Testing in Central Ohio
What is pharmacogenomic testing?
Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing is a type of genetic test that examines specific genetic variations that may influence how an individual’s body processes certain medications. The results may provide information that healthcare providers can consider when evaluating medication options.
How does pharmacogenomic testing work?
PGx testing typically analyzes a small sample, such as saliva or a cheek swab, to identify genetic variations related to medication metabolism. These genetic differences may affect how quickly or slowly certain medications are processed by the body.
What information does pharmacogenomic testing provide?
PGx testing may provide information about genetic factors that influence medication metabolism and response. Healthcare providers may use these results along with other clinical information, including medical history, current medications, and health conditions, when making medication-related decisions.
Why do people respond differently to the same medication?
Medication response can vary between individuals due to many factors, including genetics, age, health conditions, lifestyle, other medications, and how the body absorbs and processes medications. Genetics are one factor that may contribute to these differences.