What is Pharmacogenomics?

Everyone responds to medications differently. Some people may have side effects, some may have no response at all. Your genes can have a role in determining how your body reacts to a medication. Pharmacogenomics is a field of medicine that uses your genetic information to optimize treatment response and minimize side effects. This means that medications can be personalized to your DNA, which in turn can help achieve your treatment goals.

What could pharmacogenomic testing mean for you?

Have you ever wondered why you are more prone to side effects from a particular medication or why a medication isn’t quite working for you? Your DNA may play a role in your response to medications. Our pharmacists at the Pharmacogenomics Clinic work with your doctor to help  tailor your medications to your specific needs based on your genetic makeup. Did you already get a pharmacogenomic test? We can interpret your results and explain what they mean.

What medications are influenced by your DNA?

For certain medications, we can use pharmacogenomic information to guide your treatment.  Some common medications influenced by your genetic makeup include, but are not limited to:

Cardiology	Pain	GI Disorders
Clopidogrel (Plavix)	Codeine	Mercaptopurine (Purinethol)
Warfarin (Coumadin)	Tramadol (Ultram)	Azathioprine (Azasan)
Simvastatin (Zocor)	Celecoxib (Celebrax)

Psychiatry	Neurology	Infectious Disease
Citalopram (Celexa)	Carbamazepine (Tegretol)	Abacavir (Ziagen)
Escitalopram (Lexapro)	Phenytoin (Dilatin)	Atazanavir (Reyataz)
Amitriptyline (Elavil)		Voriconazole (Vfend)

How can our pharmacists help you?
Schedule an appointment today to speak with one of our pharmacists to see if your medications are compatible with your DNA. Our specially trained pharmacists will guide you every step of the way. The pharmacist will work with your doctor to order a pharmacogenomic test and guide treatment options based on your DNA.

How it works:
Step 1. Get a prescription
Ask your doctor to write a prescription for PGx testing

Step 2. Schedule an appointment
Call (813) 821-8038 to set up a day to meet with the pharmacist

Step 3. Meet with a pharmacist
Session for pre-test counseling to go over your medications and make sure you are fully informed.

Step 4. Provide a sample
A cheek swab sample will be obtained to send to lab

Step 5. Review your test results
Session for post-test counseling to make sure you are fully informed; any medication changes will be at the discretion of your doctor

Step 6: Share results with your doctor
Results will be placed in your USF Health electronic medical record and upon request can be sent to any of your other doctors involved in your care