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PharmaGen®
Helps choose the appropriate medication and its dosage
The PharmaGen® test detects variants in genes that affect the metabolism of commonly used drugs, particularly in the fields of psychiatry, neurology and internal medicine. Our genetic predisposition influences the rate of drug breakdown, its concentration in the blood, the effectiveness of treatment and the risk of side effects. Simply put, genetic analysis can help you find out what medication is right for you and at what dose, and which drugs to avoid, which can significantly speed up the appropriate treatment and increase its effectiveness.
IN WHICH SITUATIONS IT IS APPROPRIATE TO TAKE THE TEST
DRUGS DON'T WORK
The medication you are taking is not having the desired effect.
FAMILY MEDICAL HISTORY
You have a family history of drug intolerance.
SIDE EFFECTS
You have experienced some side effects.
COMBINATION OF MEDICATIONS
You are taking a large amount of drugs for a long time.
PUBLIC HEALTH INSURANCE COVERS THE TEST IN THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS
- The prescribed medication repeatedly fails.
- You are experiencing increased side effects.
- You have a family history of drug intolerance.
DETAILED INFORMATION
There are a number of factors that influence how drugs work in the body, but among the most important are our genes. Genetic predispositions affect the breakdown rate of a drug, its concentration in the blood, the effectiveness of treatment and the risk of side effects. If you take medicines regularly and yet your condition is not improving or you are experiencing side effects, you may be one of the more than 30% of people whose genetic makeup means they metabolise drugs differently than the general population.
Genetic predispositions can lead to altered rates of metabolism and/or different effectiveness of drugs, which means they can cause serious side effects or be completely ineffective. Knowledge of these predispositions will enable the selection of the right drug at the right dose or the right combination of drugs for a particular patient, thus significantly speeding up the deployment of appropriate treatment and increasing its effectiveness.
The PharmaGen® test detects variants in the CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 genes which metabolize more than one-third of the available drugs used primarily in the fields of psychiatry, neurology and internal medicine. These gene variants are responsible for slower or faster breakdown of drugs, leading to an increased risk of side effects or, conversely, a lack of effectiveness of the drug. The result of the genetic analysis is often decisive in choosing the appropriate treatment.
You will receive the result within 10 working days.
How does the whole process work?
1
Ordering
Choose a specific test or make an appointment for a genetic consultation.2
Sampling
A sample of your DNA is most often obtained through an oral swab or blood sample.3
Analysis
Our team of experienced professionals will analyse the sample using the latest methods and technologies.4
Result
After the test has been evaluated, you will receive a detailed and easy-to-understand laboratory report, or a consultation with a clinical geneticist will be recommended.Frequently Asked Questions
The time required for the laboratory examination (sample analysis) and the delivery date of the result vary according to the type and complexity of the examination. Usually it is in the order of weeks, for complex tests up to several months. The delivery date of the result is indicated in the details of each test on our website. In urgent situations, e.g. for a woman with a newly diagnosed breast or ovarian tumour before surgery, the oncopanel cancer test is performed in STATIM mode and the result is available within 3-4 weeks, whereas in normal mode it takes up to 6 months.
Health insurance always covers genetic consultations recommended by the attending physician (usually a general practitioner, paediatrician, oncologist, gynaecologist or other specialist). During the consultation, a clinical geneticist will assess whether the indication criteria for testing for the predisposition genes are met; if so, the entire genetic test, including laboratory analysis of the sample and subsequent consultation with the geneticist/doctor, is covered by health insurance. If the criteria for the genetic testing are not met, the patient can pay for the selected/recommended test as a self-payment.
After making an appointment, first fill out our personal and family history questionnaire HERE on our website. This is followed by a consultation with a doctor who will compile your three-generation family tree and decide on the indication for laboratory genetic testing. We also recommend that you bring medical reports from recent important examinations.
Recommendation – a referral from the doctor who recommended the genetic consultation. Medical reports from previous examinations related to the requested genetic test. It is not necessary to be fasting for the genetic examination, so you can easily make an appointment in the afternoon. Do not forget to fill out online genetic family and personal history questionnaire before your visit, which you can find HERE.
It has been reported that approximately 5-10% of cancers are caused by inborn changes in certain genes. One of the main goals of predictive genetic testing is the early identification of people at risk. If risk predispositions (gene mutations) are detected, preventive follow-up at specialised centres is recommended, where possible cancers are detected early and the chances of successful treatment are increased. In the case of high-risk mutations, preventive surgery may be recommended to make the risk of cancer in a given organ virtually impossible (for example, removal of the breast glands or removal of the uterus and ovary in BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers).
If your first-degree relative (parents, siblings, children) develops colon cancer before the age of 45, your risk of developing this cancer is 5 times higher. If you have three first-degree relatives, your risk can be as high as 50%. In families with a history of recurrent bowel cancer or with a history of bowel cancer at a young age, it could be hereditary cancer syndrome (Lynch syndrome). In such cases, genetic consultation is recommended.