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Home Knowledge Center Wellness Library Genetic Testing for Medicines

Genetic Testing for Medicines

Overview

Genetic testing for medicines means that a person has tests to see if a certain medicine might work well for them and is safe for them to take. This is called pharmacogenomics testing.

These tests look at how your genes affect how you respond to a medicine. Genes hold information that parents pass to their children, such as hair and eye color.

Genes can have variations that affect how a medicine works. Your genes could be the reason that a medicine helps you but doesn't help another person.

Why is it used?

Doctors use these tests to help them decide whether to prescribe a medicine. These tests can show if a medicine will work well for you. Or they could show that you might have a bad reaction to a medicine.

Sometimes these tests help doctors decide how much of a medicine you should take. Some people may need a larger or smaller dose, based on the results of their tests.

Doctors don't use these tests for all medicines. They use them before prescribing certain medicines for some conditions. For example, doctors often use them for cancer and cystic fibrosis. They also use them for HIV and gout. In certain cases, they may use them for some mental health conditions.

How does it work?

The tests are done with blood or saliva. Or they may be done as a cheek swab. Your doctor will look at the results and decide whether to prescribe a certain medicine for you.

Current as of: November 15, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com.

© 2024 Ignite Healthwise, LLC. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.

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Genetic Testing and Screening

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