How to Make Your Own Personalized Genetic Reports

Have you ever wondered why some medications seem to work wonders for your friends, while you barely feel a difference? The answer might lie in your genotype! We've all heard about DNA, the instruction manual that builds our bodies. But did you know this manual has slight variations between individuals? These variations, called polymorphisms, make you unique – like a fingerprint for your inner workings. The combination of all these variations in your genes is your genotype. It's like your own personalized recipe book that makes you, you!

One important area these variations affect is how your body processes medications.  Certain genes control the production of enzymes, which are like tiny Pac-Man gobbling up substances in your body, including medications.  Depending on the variations in your genes, you might be a "fast metabolizer" – Pac-Man on overdrive, breaking down medication quickly – or a "slow metabolizer" – Pac-Man taking his sweet time.

Now, here's where personalized genetic reports come in. Imagine having a report that tells you if you're a fast or slow metabolizer for certain medications. This can be incredibly beneficial for several reasons:

⦾ Improved Medication Effectiveness: Knowing your metabolism helps doctors choose the right dose and medication for you. A fast metabolizer might need a higher dose or a different medication altogether compared to a slow metabolizer. This personalized approach reduces the risk of medications being ineffective or causing side effects.
⦾ Reduced Trial and Error: Trying different medications until you find one that works can be frustrating and time-consuming. Genetic reports can help doctors narrow down the options from the get-go, saving you time and potential discomfort from ineffective medications.
⦾ Empowered Healthcare Decisions: Armed with your genetic information, you can participate more actively in your healthcare discussions with your doctor. Understanding how your body processes medication allows you to ask informed questions and collaborate on the best treatment plan for you.

Personalized genetic reports are a powerful tool in the era of precision medicine. By understanding your unique genetic makeup, you and your doctor can work together to make informed decisions about your health. 

Here is how you make your own genetic report:

If you are someone who has taken genetic ancestry tests and have the data accessible to you then,

Simply visit the following PharmGKB webtool and fill in the online form called Genotype Selection Interface (GSI).

 

 

GSI tool allows users to access and compare pharmacogenomic guideline recommendations from the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) and the Dutch Pharmacogenetics Working Group (DPWG), and wording from FDA's approved drug labels and Table of Pharmacogenetic Associations, based on individual genotypes.

Enter genotypes for one or more genes on the table shown above and then click the "Make Report" button to see genotype-specific drug dosing recommendations from CPIC, DPWG and FDA. Take this report and show it to your physician on your next consultation visit.

Two entries (alleles) are required for all genes except MT-RNR1, HLA-A/HLA-B, and G6PD.

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