Understanding Your PGx Report: What Do the Results Really Mean?

What Is a PGx Report?

A PGx report shows how your genes may affect your response to certain medications. It doesn’t diagnose any conditions — instead, it helps your provider choose medications that are more likely to be safe, effective, and right for you.

Think of it as a personalized medication guide, based on your unique DNA.

What’s in the Report?

Most PGx reports include:

🔹 Gene Variants Tested – Specific genes that influence how your body metabolizes medications
🔹 Medication Response Categories – Whether a drug is likely to work well for you, might require a different dose, or should be avoided
🔹 Metabolizer Status – Terms like “poor,” “intermediate,” “normal,” or “ultrarapid” metabolizer
🔹 Clinical Recommendations – Guidance for your doctor on how to adjust your treatment

What Do Metabolizer Statuses Mean?

This is one of the most important parts of your PGx report. It tells you how fast (or slow) your body processes certain drugs.

Here’s what each term usually means:

• Poor Metabolizer: Your body processes the medication slowly, which can lead to side effects or drug buildup.
• Intermediate Metabolizer: Slower than normal — may still affect how the medication works.
• Normal Metabolizer: Ideal response — medication is likely to work as expected.
• Ultrarapid Metabolizer: Your body processes the drug too quickly — it might not stay in your system long enough to work.

What If a Medication Shows Up as “Use with Caution” or “Consider Alternatives”?

This means that based on your genes, that particular medication might not work well for you — or it could cause side effects. Your provider may:

• Choose a different medication
• Adjust your dose
• Monitor you more closely

It doesn’t mean you can’t take the medication — just that it needs extra consideration.

How Should You Use Your Results?

✅ Share them with your doctors and pharmacists
✅ Keep a copy in your medical records
✅ Use them any time you start a new medication
✅ Don’t make changes on your own — always consult a provider

At GENE RX, Dr. Yana walks through your PGx results with you step-by-step and works with your medical team to make sure you’re getting the safest, most effective treatment possible.

Final Thoughts

Your PGx report is more than just a lab result — it’s a personalized roadmap for better, safer medication decisions.

Understanding your genetic response to medications helps take the guesswork out of treatment. With this insight, you and your provider can make smarter choices — based on science, not trial and error.

Need Help Reviewing Your PGx Report?

📞 Schedule a consultation with Dr. Yana at GENE RX

Your genes. Your meds. Your health.

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