PromicsEdge Medication Check (PGx) FAQ
The Medication Check PGx (Pharmacogenomics) Report shows how your client's genetic makeup influences their response to medications. By analyzing specific genetic variants, the report identifies how your client metabolizes 50+ commonly prescribed drugs — helping you support more informed prescribing decisions, reduce trial-and-error, and minimize the risk of adverse reactions.
Requirements
The PGx Report requires a SelfDecode DNA kit. Third-party DNA files are not compatible with this report due to the specific genetic data needed. If your client currently has an uploaded third-party file, they'll need a SelfDecode DNA kit to access PGx results.
What the Report Provides
For each medication covered, the report categorizes it into one of two groups:
Standard Precautions — The medication is likely to work as expected at standard dosages, with a low risk of adverse effects based on your client's genetics.
Use With Caution — Your client's genetics suggest one or more of the following:
- Higher chance of side effects or toxicity
- Standard dosage may not be appropriate (adjustment may be needed)
- An alternative medication may be a better option
What Medications Are Covered?
The report covers 50+ medications across the following categories:
- Antidepressants (SSRIs, TCAs, SNRIs)
- Antipsychotics
- Antiepileptics
- Antifungals
- Antiplatelets & Anticoagulants
- Antivirals
- Immunosuppressants
- NSAIDs
- Opioids
- Proton Pump Inhibitors
- Skeletal Muscle Relaxants
- Statins
- Anesthetics
For the complete, up-to-date list, see the full report list page under the "Medication Check (PGx Testing)" section. This list is subject to change as new medications and guidelines are added.
How It Works
The PGx Report analyzes specific genetic variants and variant combinations (haplotypes) your client carries. Since we inherit one variant from each parent, the report maps these combinations to a metabolizer type for each relevant drug — predicting how your client's body will process the medication.
Metabolizer Types
Normal Metabolizer — Processes the drug as expected at standard doses.
Intermediate or Poor Metabolizer — Processes the drug slower than normal. May require a lower dose, a higher dose, or an alternative medication depending on the drug.
Rapid or Ultra-Rapid Metabolizer — Processes the drug faster than normal. May reduce effectiveness in some cases or increase potency in others.
Indeterminate Metabolizer — The DNA data lacks sufficient variant coverage to assign a metabolizer type.
Clinical Guidelines
All recommendations in the report are based on guidelines developed by recognized pharmacogenomics organizations:
- CPIC — Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium
- FDA — U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- DPWG — Dutch Pharmacogenetics Working Group
- PharmGKB — Pharmacogenomics Knowledge Base
How to Interpret the Report
The report lists specific genes and variants associated with how your client metabolizes each covered drug. Where available, prescribing guidance is included — such as recommended dosage adjustments or alternative treatments based on your client's metabolizer type.
For a detailed guide on interpretation, you can access the "Understanding PGx Report" dropdown on the Pharmacogenomics page in the app (once results are generated), or refer to the "How This Works" section in the PDF version.
Important Limitations
The PGx Report is a valuable clinical tool, but it has limitations practitioners should be aware of:
- It does not replace medical advice. The report is designed to support — not replace — the professional judgment of a qualified healthcare provider. Always advise clients to consult their prescribing physician before making medication changes.
- Genetics is one factor. Age, weight, existing medical conditions, lifestyle, and other medications also affect drug metabolism and are not fully accounted for in this report.
- Not all variants are covered. The report focuses on the most commonly studied and clinically relevant gene-drug interactions. It does not detect all possible genetic variants, and gene deletions and duplications are not analyzed.
- False results are possible. While unlikely, the report may produce false positive or false negative results. Confirm any clinically significant findings with an independent, specialized genetic test prescribed by a healthcare professional before making medical decisions.
- Allele-specific limitations. Metabolizer type reporting is limited to specific alleles for the following genes: CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, NUDT15, SLCO1B1, and TPMT. Default star-alleles (e.g., *1) indicate the absence of other tested alleles only — they do not confirm that other variants in the gene are absent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the PGx Report included with the standard client profile? No. The PGx Report is part of the Medical Bundle, included in the Essential+ and Ultimate Bundles. It can also be purchased as a premium add-on. See our Professional Checkout & Pricing page for current pricing.
Can I use a third-party DNA file? No. The PGx Report requires a SelfDecode DNA kit for the level of genetic data accuracy needed.
Does the report cover every medication? No. The report focuses on 50+ of the most commonly studied and clinically relevant medications. It does not cover every possible drug or gene-drug interaction.
Can my client use this report to change their medication on their own? No. The report is for informational purposes and should always be reviewed with a qualified healthcare provider before any medication changes are made.
🙋 Need Help?
If you have questions about the PGx Report or any other feature, reach out to us at support@promicsedge.com or use the chat bubble in your account.