Praachi K Verma

Trugeny Pharmacogenetic Test What if I tell you, your genes or your DNA, holds the reins to your past, present, and even to your future? A good deal of who you are and what you would turn out to be is already registered in your genes. Our DNA is an important determinant of many aspects of our lives like health, happiness, risk-taking, vulnerability to stress, IQ, anger, and even religious and political views, to name a few. Does that mean your genes are responsible for your anger issues, depression, beliefs, and actions? It might be overwhelming to discover how much information our genes could tell us, but it is important to understand that external factors like environment and experiences are equally influential in determining which genetic options will finally get inked. Why is Pharmacogenetic Data Important? Little pigeons can carry great messages, similarly, those strings of DNA in your blood, hair or saliva hold the key to several things you might wish to know -- like what diseases you inherit from your ancestors or the drugs that will be most effective on beating your illnesses. Let’s explore how cracking the code of DNA paves the way to a healthy life: After turning 50 years of age, a man visited his GP for a health check-up. He brought along the test results of his recent pharmacogenomics test. He decided to undergo this test because his both parents had heart attacks and he thought these tests could predict his risks of ‘heart troubles’. The health check results were normal except for total cholesterol of 7.8 mmol/L. The GP kept him on statin therapy. The physician soon remembered reading something about statin therapy on her pharmacogenomics report. He considered the report in detail during their follow-up appointment. The results show the low activity of the main transporter responsible for taking simvastatin and atorvastatin into the liver (SLCO1B1*5/*17), a result associated with higher exposure to simvastatin and higher rates of statin associated muscle toxicity, compared with other genetic variants. Rosuvastatin was chosen as an alternative medication since its exposure is less pronounced in patients with such genotypes. The science of pharmacogenomics applies to virtually every medical field and specialty. Pharmacogenetics does not believe one size fits all dosing, instead, it helps to individualize the therapeutic experience of the patient with biometric-based dosing and precision prescription of drugs. The pharmacogenomics test with Trugeny gives prescribing advice based on the assessed clinical evidence. It also allows the tailored dosing of a drug, based on the genetically determined metabolic potential and sensitivity of the patient. Undergoing a genetic test is important, but understanding its comprehensive results and the test consequences are an integral part of genetic testing. With clear and detailed information and constant support guides the patient to make informed decisions. “Finding out early and accurate information can add years to your life.”