Relevant Medications
Pharmacogenetic Testing for Effective Dosing
Pharmacogenetics is the study of how genes influence the way drugs are metabolized in the body. Applying this knowledge is a two-step process. First, genetic variants must be identified. Then the ways those variants affect the metabolization and effectiveness of individual drugs must be determined through clinical study.
To help clinicians use pharmacogenetic testing to their patients' best advantage, PGXL Laboratories helps with both steps. We test and identify variants in critical genes - CYP2D6, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 in the Cytochrome P-450 system - that influence the effectiveness of medications. Then we keep you up-to-date on the latest research about how those variants influence specific drugs.
The reference guide linked below lists many commonly prescribed drugs that are metabolized through these pathways in the Cytochrome P-450 system. By conducting pharmacogenetic tests before prescribing these medications, it is possible to more precisely pinpoint the correct drug dosage, significantly decreasing the chances that the drug will be either ineffective or harmful to your patient.
We expect our clients to seek professional advice concerning any medical or legal actions that might be suggested by the information we offer. Patients should never alter their dosage without consulting with the prescribing physician. Physicians seeking additional information about pharmacogenetic testing are advised to consult package inserts for specific medications or to consult with a pharmacist. In addition, the FDA supports a web site to refer physicians to situations where pharmacogenetic testing is relevant for therapeutic drugs. www.FDA.gov.
Download the PGXL Reference Guide in Adobe PDF format