Your genes are part
of the medication story.

Genetics can inform a prescribing decision

For some gene–drug relationships, genetic information can help a healthcare professional consider medication metabolism, dosage or the likelihood of benefit or harm. Genetics is one factor among others; it does not provide all the information needed to use a medicine safely. The FDA explains the scope of pharmacogenetic associations.

A useful conversation therefore begins with a specific medicine and a specific result. A broad label such as “fast metabolizer” needs the gene, drug and relevant context to be meaningful.

An association is a starting point for review

A gene–drug relationship appearing in the FDA’s table does not automatically mean everyone should be tested before receiving that medicine. The table also is not a complete guide to prescribing. Read the FDA’s explanation of how to use it.

Professional resources such as the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium guideline collection provide a place to explore specific gene–drug guidance. The relevant guideline, assay scope and patient context should be considered together by an appropriately qualified professional.

Keep medication changes with your prescriber

Questions to bring to that discussion:

• Does this result have an established relationship with my medicine?
• Was the test appropriate for that particular genetic question?
• Does the result need clinical confirmation?
• How do my other medicines and health information affect its relevance?

This field note explains a scientific topic. It does not offer an Atlagene medication recommendation or establish the availability of a validated PGx service.