Kia ora!

I'm Claire, a pharmacist who is passionate about making sure that your medication is right for you.I provide personalised advice based on your individual genetic makeup.With a wealth of practical experience as well as postgraduate qualifications enhancing my knowledge, I'm committed to delivering top-notch care every step of the way.I work together with you and your doctor to personalise your treatment so you can be sure that you are receiving the right medication at the right dose.

FAQs

What is pharmacogenomic testing?

Pharmacogenomics (sometimes called pharmacogenetics) is the study of how your genes affect the way your body responds to certain medicines.Your genes are passed down from your parents. They carry information (called DNA) that determines many things about you, such as your height and eye color.Some genes also affect how your body uses and breaks down medicines. Differences in these genes can be the reason why certain medicines work well for some people, but not for others. Genes can also be the reason why some people have serious side effects from a medicine and others have none.Pharmacogenomic testing provides information about your genes to help choose the medicine and dosage that are the "best fit" for you.

What is pharmacogenomic testing used for?

Pharmacogenetic testing may help to:

  • Find out whether a certain medicine could be effective for you

  • Find out how much of the medicine you need

  • Predict whether you will have a serious side effect from a medicine

Why do I need pharmacogenomic testing?

Pharmacogenomic testing may be helpful if you are taking a medicine that's not working and/or it is causing serious side effects.Pharmacogenetic tests are not available for all medicines. However, they are useful for many common medicines, including those used in cardiology, gastroenterology, oncology (cancer treatment), pain management and psychiatry.

How is the DNA sample collected?

The test that I use involves collecting cells from the inside of your cheek. I will give you a swab which you use to gently rub the inside of both your cheeks. You can do the collection yourself. The swab is sent to the lab for analysis.

Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

You should not eat or drink for 60 minutes before the test. Also please don't brush your teeth, chew gum or smoke in that time.

What do the results mean?

Your test results will describe any changes, called variants, in the genes tested. These changes can show how certain medicines are likely to affect you.

How is the information used?

When the test results are returned from the lab, I use the information to check how your current medicines are working for you. If your test results show that a certain medicine isn't right for you, I will contact your prescriber (usually your GP) to make recommendations for other treatments that may help you.I can recommend which type of medicine is likely to work best in your body or suggest changes, like a dose adjustment. The final decision on which medicines (and at which dose) are used will be made by your prescriber after consulting with you.

Will I need another test in the future?

In most cases, no.Your genes do not change over your lifetime. Your current test results can be used to help select the best treatment if you need any new medications in the future and you will not need another test.Although it is possible that scientific advances may mean that tests offering a broader testing panel are available in the future, for now, one test is all you need.

Will the test results give me information about my health condition?

No. The genes analysed in a pharmacogenomic test are only those known to affect medicine response.Pharmacogenomic testing is not the same thing as genetic testing. Genetic tests that are done for health reasons can help diagnose diseases. They may also provide information about your risk for certain diseases. Pharmacogenomic testing cannot diagnose any conditions or tell you about your risk for developing them.

How can I find out more?

Get in touch via email or book a free 15-minute call. Details below.

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