Pharmacogenomics
Shows how your genes affect the way you process certain medicines - helping choose the right drug or dose.
TypeGenetic
HowCheek swab or blood sample.
How oftenOnce - results apply for life.
BeforeNo preparation.
WhoPeople starting certain medicines (e.g. some antidepressants, blood thinners, pain medicines).
Why the same medicine works differently for you
Your genes affect how quickly your body breaks down certain medicines. Fast processors may get little benefit; slow processors may get side effects at normal doses.
Slow processor
“Why do I get side effects?”
The drug builds up - a lower dose or different drug may suit you.
Adjust
Fast processor
“Why doesn’t it work for me?”
The drug is cleared too quickly.
Adjust
Once for life
“Do I need to repeat it?”
Results don’t change - share them with every prescriber.
Lasting
Most useful for some antidepressants, pain medicines, blood thinners and statins.
Is it right for you?
Worth considering if…
- You’ve had side effects or no benefit from several medicines.
- You’re starting a medicine with known gene-drug interactions.
A better option if…
- You take no regular medicines - results may still be useful later, but aren’t urgent.
How it’s measured
Clinical PGx panel
Tests genes like CYP2D6, CYP2C19 and others.
The full picture
What is it?
A genetic test of how you metabolise medicines.
What type of test is it?
A genetic test.
What does it measure?
Variants in drug-processing genes.
Why might someone consider it?
To choose medicines and doses more precisely.
Who is it most relevant for?
People starting or struggling with certain medicines.
How is it performed?
A cheek swab or blood sample.
How often might it be considered?
Once.
What can the result help you understand?
Which medicines may work better or cause side effects.
What are its limitations?
Only covers some drugs; other factors also matter.
What should it be viewed with?
Medication history and kidney and liver function.
Where to get it
Through your provider
Often with a genetic counselor - and more likely covered when family history supports it.
Genetic counseling services
Help you decide what to test and what results mean.
Direct-to-consumer tests
Available, but results should be confirmed clinically before acting on them.
Names are examples only, not endorsements. Your provider can often order the same test - and help interpret it.
Connected to
Questions to ask your provider
- Would pharmacogenomic testing help choose my medicine?
Ziva Health
One test is a snapshot. Ziva shows the whole story.
Ziva brings your lab results, wearables and daily readings together - and Isabella tells you what’s changing and what to ask your provider next.
Refer Ziva to my provider / care team
Is your provider not on Ziva yet? Send them a link in under a minute - once they join, they’ll see your Pharmacogenomics result alongside your other trends and get alerts directly.
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Bring your Ziva 30-day report to your next appointment - your Pharmacogenomics result and daily trends in one view, so the conversation starts with the full picture.
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Being listed doesn’t mean everyone needs this test. Educational only — not medical advice. Results should be interpreted with a qualified clinician. ← Back to Know What to Test