The test analyses 22 genes related to how your body processes certain medications, how sensitive you may be to them, and whether extra attention may be needed for safe use. In the report, your results are summarised in clear categories, such as “requires attention,” “point of attention,” or “no apparent peculiarity.”

The genes are relevant to these medication groups, among others:

• Antidepressants and psychiatric medication
• Painkillers and opioids
• Heart medication and blood thinners
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs
• Antivirals
• Medication for attention and concentration

The DNA sample is collected easily at home using a saliva kit and analysed in a certified laboratory. After analysis, you receive a detailed digital report outlining your pharmacogenetic profile and how your genetics may influence medication metabolism and response. 

An abnormal result does not automatically mean that a medication is unsafe. It simply means that further consultation or monitoring may be advisable.

This test includes analysis of clinically relevant genes involved in drug metabolism, transport, and medication sensitivity. These biomarkers are widely used within pharmacogenetics and are linked to dosing recommendations and medication response guidelines.

The analysed biomarkers include genes such as:

• ABCG2 – Helps transport substances and medicines out of cells. Variants may affect the body’s handling of gout medications such as allopurinol and certain cholesterol-lowering or cancer medicines.
• COMT – Involved in breaking down neurotransmitters such as dopamine and adrenaline. It may influence response to psychiatric medications, pain medication, and treatments affecting the nervous system.
• CYP1A2 – A liver enzyme responsible for metabolising caffeine and several medications. It is particularly relevant for caffeine sensitivity, antipsychotics, and some antidepressants.
• CYP2B6 – Helps process a range of medicines in the liver. Variants can influence response to medications used in neurology, anaesthesia, smoking cessation, and infectious disease treatment.
• CYP2C9 – Important for breaking down commonly used medications. It significantly impacts blood thinners such as warfarin, certain painkillers (NSAIDs), and some diabetes medications.
• CYP2C19 – Influences how effectively the body processes several widely prescribed medicines. It is especially relevant for antidepressants, proton pump inhibitors, and antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel.
• CYP2D6 – One of the most clinically important pharmacogenetic genes. It affects the metabolism of many antidepressants, opioids, beta blockers, and psychiatric medications.
• CYP3A4 – A major enzyme involved in metabolising a large proportion of all prescription medicines. It impacts many medication groups including statins, immunosuppressants, antibiotics, and cardiovascular drugs.
• CYP3A5 – Closely related to CYP3A4 and also involved in medicine metabolism. It is particularly important for immunosuppressive medicines such as tacrolimus.
• DPYD – Helps break down fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy drugs. Variants can increase the risk of severe toxicity from medications such as fluorouracil (5-FU) and capecitabine.
• G6PD – Protects red blood cells from oxidative damage. Certain variants can increase the risk of red blood cell breakdown when using specific antibiotics, antimalarials, or other medicines.
• HLA-B*1502 – An immune-related gene associated with severe hypersensitivity reactions. It is most relevant for anti-epileptic medicines such as carbamazepine.
• HLA-B*5701 – Helps predict risk for serious immune-mediated drug reactions. It is especially important before treatment with abacavir and some other medications.
• HLA-A*3101 – Linked to increased risk of skin and hypersensitivity reactions to certain medicines. It is mainly associated with carbamazepine treatment.
• MTHFR677 – Plays a role in folate metabolism and methylation processes. Variants may influence folate handling and response to a small number of medicines, including methotrexate.
• NUDT15 – Helps the body process thiopurine medications safely. Variants can increase sensitivity to azathioprine, mercaptopurine, and related medicines.
• SLCO1B1 – Responsible for transporting certain medicines into the liver. It is most strongly linked to statin metabolism and risk of statin-related muscle side effects.
• TPMT – Helps break down thiopurine medications. Reduced TPMT activity can increase the risk of toxicity from azathioprine, mercaptopurine, and thioguanine.
• UGT1A1 – Involved in the breakdown and elimination of substances through the liver. It is especially relevant for irinotecan chemotherapy and the HIV medicine atazanavir.
• VKORC1 – Plays an important role in vitamin K metabolism and blood clotting. Variants strongly influence sensitivity to blood thinners such as warfarin and acenocoumarol.

These genes are associated with the metabolism of a large number of medications and may influence whether someone is a normal, intermediate, rapid, or poor metaboliser. Certain genetic variants can also increase sensitivity to specific medications or increase the risk of adverse reactions.

After your sample has been analysed, you will receive a secure online report with a comprehensive overview of the genes that were tested and whether there are any points of attention. The report explains how your genetic variants may influence the processing and effectiveness of specific medications.

The test results are explained in plain language. For example, the report may show that your body processes certain medications more slowly or more quickly, or that a doctor or pharmacist may need to pay extra attention to the dosage or monitoring of specific medications.

The results are intended for informational purposes and should always be interpreted together with a qualified healthcare professional. Medication should never be started, adjusted, or discontinued solely based on the results of this test.

People can respond very differently to the same medication. While one person may experience the intended effect, another may notice limited effectiveness or unexpected side effects. Pharmacogenetics helps explain part of these differences by analysing genetic variations involved in how medicines are processed in the body.

A pharmacogenetics test may help:

• Identify medicines that may be processed too quickly or too slowly
• Reduce the risk of side effects or adverse drug reactions
• Support more personalised medication choices and dosing
• Improve understanding of why certain treatments may not have worked as expected
• Provide valuable information before starting new medication

These insights can support more informed discussions with your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider and may help optimise treatment decisions based on your individual genetic profile.