Pharmacogenetic (PGx) Testing
at Uptown Pharmacy
At Uptown Pharmacy, we are dedicated to personalized healthcare that works for you. Our Pharmacogenetic (PGx) Testing service helps tailor your medication therapy based on your unique genetic makeup. By understanding how your body processes medications, we can optimize your treatment for better results, fewer side effects, and a safer healthcare experience.
Why Consider Pharmacogenetic Testing?
Personalized Medication Plans
PGx testing identifies how your genes affect your response to medications, allowing healthcare providers to select the most effective drugs and dosages tailored specifically to you.
Reduce Side Effects
By understanding genetic variations, PGx testing can help prevent adverse drug reactions and minimize unwanted side effects, improving your overall treatment experience.
Improve Medication Effectiveness
Not all medications work the same for everyone. PGx testing helps determine which medications are likely to work best based on your genetics, boosting your chances for successful therapy.
Support for Chronic Conditions
Patients managing chronic illnesses like depression, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease can benefit from PGx testing to find medications that better fit their genetic profile.
What Is Pharmacogenetic (PGx) Testing?
Pharmacogenetic testing analyzes specific genes that influence how your body absorbs, metabolizes, and responds to medications. Understanding these genetic factors allows healthcare providers to personalize your medication choices. Here are eight important points to know about PGx testing:
How PGx Testing Works
Using a simple cheek swab or blood sample, our laboratory analyzes your DNA to identify genetic variations that affect drug metabolism, helping predict your response to various medications.
Genes Tested
PGx tests commonly assess genes involved in drug metabolism enzymes such as CYP450 family members, which impact how quickly or slowly your body processes different drugs.
Medications Impacted by PGx
PGx testing is especially useful for medications like antidepressants, blood thinners, pain relievers, and some cardiovascular drugs, where genetic differences can influence effectiveness and safety.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Results from PGx testing guide your healthcare provider in selecting medications and dosages tailored to your genetic profile, reducing trial-and-error prescribing.
Prevention of Adverse Drug Reactions
By identifying genetic predispositions to drug sensitivities or toxicities, PGx testing helps prevent harmful side effects and improves medication safety.
Integration with Your Healthcare Team
Our pharmacists collaborate with your physicians and specialists to interpret PGx results and incorporate findings into your comprehensive care plan.
Confidential and Secure Testing
All genetic information is handled with strict confidentiality, complying with privacy regulations to protect your personal health data.
Who Should Consider PGx Testing?
PGx testing is beneficial for anyone starting new medications, especially those with a history of medication side effects, treatment resistance, or chronic conditions requiring ongoing therapy.
What to Expect?
Simple Sample Collection – Easy and painless cheek swab or blood draw at our pharmacy.
Expert Clinical Guidance – Skilled pharmacists provide specialized knowledge and medication management.
Personalized Medication Recommendations – Tailored guidance to optimize your drug therapy.
Collaborative Care – Coordination with your healthcare providers for seamless treatment adjustments.
Insurance Friendly – We work with most insurance plans and can help with coverage questions.
