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Pharmacogenetic Testing & Consult

vwv pharmacist Anita giving a pharmacogenetic consultation, human DNA

 

What Is Pharmacogenetic Testing?

Have you ever wondered why a medication worked well for a friend or relative, but did not work well for you? As pharmacists, patients often ask us, "Do you think this medication will work for me?" In short, the most honest answer is, "we don't know". But, what if there was a way for us to at least predict your response to medications? Individuals are all unique, while drug and dosing recommendations are provided based on average drug responses. What works for one individual can often be ineffective or cause unacceptable side effects for another. In fact, many common medications can have little effect or be intolerable in up to two thirds of individuals.

The study of interindividual variations in the DNA sequence of our genes, and how those variations impact our individual response to different medications is known as pharmacogenetics (PGx).

 

How Is Pharmacogenetic Testing Helpful?

Based on the specific genes that individuals carry Pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing reveals which medications and doses are likely to work best for an individual. Traditionally, medications are prescribed based on a “trial and error” approach. To pharmacists and patients alike this is a frustrating and time-consuming process, ultimately resulting in delays in patient response and benefits. In many cases, multiple drugs will be cycled over many weeks, months, or even years. 

 

Using PGx test results to guide medication treatment has been shown to be beneficial in multiple ways. Not only does PGx testing result in fewer adverse events, but also leads to higher response rates, better outcomes, and even improved adherence to medications.  It's known that more than 98% of individuals carry one or more gene variants that will cause an unexpected response to one or more common medications and also that 80% of individual drug responses can be due to genetics. Knowing this, if you have the opportunity, why would you not want medications tailored to your genetic makeup?

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How It Works?

The test kit that arrives at your home is a simple buccal (cheek) swab test that can be done in the comfort of your own home in less than 5 minutes. A swab is taken from the cheek and the sample is mailed out in the postage-paid envelope provided. After mailing out your sample, you will create an account in order to receive confidential results in your portal, 5 - 7 days after receipt of the sample at the lab. Alternatively, for seamless care, we can create an account/portal for you giving access to both you and your pharmacist consultant at the same time. After receipt of your results we will schedule a chat with you in order to discuss your results and how they can be useful to guide medication therapy. There are different test kits available - please see below for the options.

 

What Health Conditions Do These Tests Cover?

  • Pain/Mental Health Conditions

This pharmacogenetic test guides treatment of pain and mental health conditions and reveals your predicted responses to more than 90% of drugs used in the treatment of pain and mental health conditions (e.g. Acute and perioperative pain, all chronic pain conditions, ADHD, Anxiety, Alzheimer’s Disease, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, PTSD, Schizophrenia, and more). Also includes a comprehensive cannabis/cannabinoid genetic panel with personalized recommendations on strain, dose, intake method, side effect risk, and more.

  • General Health Conditions

This test reveals your predicted responses to common medications across multiple therapeutic areas, including Anesthesia, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Immunology, Infectious Disease, Neurology, Oncology, Pain & Mental Health, Respirology, and Urology.

  • Comprehensive 2-in-1

This test combines both test reports from above at a reduced package price.

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How Do I Book My Results Review?

Once you have received your PGx test result, please click here to be redirected to our appointment booking platform. From there, you can book a virtual appointment during which we will discuss the best medication options properly matched with the specific genetic variants present or absent in you. More specifically along with your consultant pharmacist you will discuss what medications you should not use, which you should use with caution and which ones are most compatible with your genetic makeup. If requested by you, we will happily share this information with your primary care provider/family doctor

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What Is Your Return Policy?

We feel like we have provided detailed information regarding our process and what you can expect or may experience from our service. As a result, we deem a return request unlikely. However, if after receiving your test kit you are unhappy with your purchase we will provide you with a refund with the following conditions;

1. We will refund the balance of the total purchase price after subtracting shipping and handling charges once the test kit is returned to us.

2. To receive a refund for an unused kit, you must notify us within thirty (30) days of placing your order online.

We will not issue a refund (i) if you request a refund more than thirty (30) days after the payment; or (ii) if the seal on your product box has been broken.

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Ready to revolutionize your treatment options? Purchase your kit today!

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