Common medications for conditions like anxiety, depression, or high cholesterol or even to limit the growth of some cancers, may not work as well for some of us because of our genetics.
Yet few of us know before we are prescribed an SSRI for depression, say, or a statin for high cholesterol, that we have a genetic variant that may impact how our bodies process those medications.
What if you and your doctor knew this beforehand?
Open Your (Genetic) Medicine Cabinet
This week, we launched an upgrade to Medicine Cabinet, a feature for 23andMe+ Premium members that allows them to more simply check how their genetics may impact the medications they are currently taking.*
This version of the feature is also another way customers learn more about genetics’ role in processing certain medications.* Most people have at least one genetic variant that may alter how their bodies process certain commonly prescribed drugs.
What is Pharmacogenetics?
The FDA lists dozens of medications with “pharmacogenetic associations” and continues to add more.
Pharmacogenetics is the study of how single DNA variants affect how you respond to medication. While many of these pharmacogenetic associations have been known for years, few people are tested before being prescribed many of these medications. 23andMe was the first direct-to-consumer genetics company to receive FDA authorization for its Pharmacogenetic Reports*.
23andMe’s Medicine Cabinet feature puts more information directly in customers’ hands. It allows 23andMe+ Premium members to easily input the medications they’re using into the feature manually or, for iOS users, through Apple’s HealthKit and save that information. Based on their Pharmacogenetic reports, they are then alerted of possible DNA-medication interactions.
That way, customers can more proactively monitor additional medication insights over time, as their medication may change or other pharmacogenetic associations become more known.
Of course, genetics is just one factor that influences how you process medications. Other factors, like age, weight, liver and kidney function, drug interactions, or even some foods, also play a role.
23andMe’s Pharmacogenetic Reports
Currently, 23andMe’s Pharmacogenetic Reports examine variants in three genes affecting how individuals metabolize or transport about two dozen medications.
For example, 23andMe offers reports that look at variants in the genes CYP2C19, DPYD, and SLCO1B1, which are involved in processing specific medications. The CYP2C19 enzyme helps metabolize many commonly used drugs, such as proton pump inhibitors, the antiplatelet clopidogrel, and certain antidepressants. The DPYD gene encodes the DPD enzyme, which helps break down fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy medications, including fluorouracil (5-FU) and capecitabine. The SLCO1B1 gene encodes the SLCO1B1 protein, which helps transport cholesterol-lowering statins into the liver for removal from the body.
Knowing your underlying genetics could help you and your doctor ensure the effectiveness of some of your prescribed medications.
Learn More
Medicine Cabinet will help 23andMe+ Premium members more easily monitor those medications and provide updates on newly identified pharmacogenetic associations or additional 23andMe reports.
This version of Medicine Cabinet is available to 23andMe+ Premium members in the United States. Learn more about joining 23andMe+ Premium here.
*23andMe PGS Pharmacogenetics reports: The 23andMe test uses qualitative genotyping to detect 3 variants in the CYP2C19 gene, 2 variants in the DPYD gene, and 1 variant in the SLCO1B1 gene in the genomic DNA of adults from saliva to report and interpret information about the processing of certain therapeutics to inform discussions with a healthcare professional. It does not describe if a person will or will not respond to a particular therapeutic. Our CYP2C19 Pharmacogenetics report provides certain information about variants associated with the metabolism of some therapeutics and provides interpretive drug information regarding the potential effect of citalopram and clopidogrel therapy. Our SLCO1B1 Pharmacogenetics report provides certain information about variants associated with the processing of some therapeutics and provides interpretive drug information regarding the potential effect of simvastatin therapy. Our DPYD Pharmacogenetics report does not describe the association between detected variants and any specific therapeutic. Results for DPYD and certain CYP2C19 results should be confirmed by an independent genetic test prescribed by your own healthcare provider before taking any medical action.
Warning:
Test information should not be used to start, stop, or change any course of treatment and does not test for all possible variants that may affect metabolism or protein function. The PGS test is not a substitute for visits to a healthcare professional. Making changes to your current regimen can lead to harmful side effects or reduced intended benefits of your medication, therefore consult with your healthcare professional before taking any medical action. For important information and limitations regarding Pharmacogenetic reports, visit 23andme.com/test-info/pharmacogenetics/
