When it comes to your genetic makeup and how it affects your response to medications, there’s more than meets the eye. One simple at-home cheek swab from Inagene could save you from unnecessary trial and error, helping you navigate your health journey with confidence.
As a woman in my mid-40s, I was recently offered the chance to take the Medication Screening Health Test from Inagene, and I jumped at the opportunity—not just for myself, but for my kids and siblings who share half my DNA!
Take the test that gets you. What is Inagene?
Inagene offers a variety of pharmacogenetic tests designed to help people understand how their genes influence their response to medications. The test I chose was the most comprehensive one they offer that provides insights into how your body processes over 150 medications, covering a wide range of treatments such as:
- Mental health (e.g., antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications)
- Pain management
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Neurology
- Gastroenterology
Taking the test is simple: once your kit arrives, you swab the inside of your cheek, ship it back using the pre-paid label, and get your results in less than two weeks.
The results are categorized into four classifications. There are two key ones to watch for. Consider Alternatives are described as medications that may not work well for you due to your genetic profile. Modified Approach are medications you may tolerate but might require dosage adjustments or close monitoring.
When I received my results, I wasn’t surprised to see validation of past experiences with certain medications. For example, Bupropion (commonly sold as Wellbutrin, used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder) was flagged for me and my child under the Consider Alternatives category. This made perfect sense based on family members’ challenges with this medication in the past.
No two people’s results are alike, just like no two people share the exact same DNA. After taking the test, we feel empowered to make more informed decisions about our health moving forward.
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If you’re ready to take the guesswork out of your medication journey and embrace personalized health care, Inagene’s test could be the life-changing tool you’ve been waiting for. It’s especially helpful for people on multiple medications who have experienced medication side effects or inefficacy. It’s also useful for family planning and managing chronic conditions like depression, anxiety, or pain. Your health is unique to you. Why not let your genes help guide the way?
President & CEO of Inagene, Heather McCarten. Photo courtesy of Inagene.
Note: While this test is an incredible resource, it’s important to approach your results with perspective. A medication categorized as “Use Standard Precautions” doesn’t guarantee it will work perfectly or be free of side effects—your overall response to medications is influenced by factors such as:
- Your environment
- Lifestyle and diet
- Other health conditions or medications
- And, of course, ongoing medical research
Pharmacogenetics is an evolving science, and new drug-gene interactions may be discovered in the future. Proceed with caution, and always discuss your results with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan.