DecisionRx | Patients

DecisionRx

And other questions, answered.

How
It Works

First,
who does
this help?

Different bodies react differently to medication. Here are a few examples.

James, 65

After experiencing a sudden onset of severe abdominal pain, James was hospitalized with a perforated peptic ulcer. Due to his prolonged immobility during treatment, he developed a blood clot in his lung. James was prescribed a common blood thinner (anticoagulant) to prevent recurrence of blood clots.

A few days after starting the blood thinner, James experienced significant bleeding in his gastrointestinal tract and required emergency surgery. The doctors were puzzled by James’ extreme reaction to the blood thinner, as the medication was prescribed at the standard starting dose.

Seeking answers, James’ healthcare team had his DNA tested with DecisionRx. His results revealed James had a genetic variation in two genes (CYP2C9 and VKORC1) that affected the metabolism of, and sensitivity to, the blood thinner. He should have been prescribed half the standard initial dose.

When his dose was tailored to his unique genetic makeup, James responded to the drug as intended, receiving the protection from future blood clots he needed.

Susan, 70

While Susan was taking the diuretic furosemide to help with fluid overload, her doctors advised her to add an over-the-counter potassium supplement as furosemide can lower potassium levels in the body. Because it is not a prescription medication, this supplement was never added to her formal medication list.

A few years later, Susan was switched to a different diuretic that actually increases potassium levels. Yet, Susan continued to use her potassium supplement.

Because the DecisionRx pharmacist had access to both her full prescription and supplement lists, they were able to recommend stopping Susan’s potassium supplement before she experienced severe complications from elevated potassium in the body—which include life-threatening arrhythmias and heart failure.

Can a spouse,
friend, or relative use DecisionRx?

The kit you received from your provider is specific to you—and the cost of the DecisionRx program is covered entirely by your health plan.

Patients who are not enrolled in a health plan that provides this benefit can order a self-pay test at www.DecisionRx.com/selfpay

Andrew, 68

Andrew struggled with severe depression and had tried three different antidepressant medications without success. Desperate for relief, he turned to DecisionRx to find answers. His DNA test results revealed a medication more likely to be effective based on his genetic proﬁle. Andrew ﬁnally found relief from his symptoms with the new medication, and his depression remained controlled.

Unfortunately, 5 years later, Andrew suffered a heart attack and required treatment with clopidogrel—a common antiplatelet drug. Remembering his pharmacogenomic report, he asked his doctors to ensure the medication was compatible with his genetics. The report indicated a mutation that would render clopidogrel ineffective in preventing another heart attack.

With this information, his doctors prescribed an alternative antiplatelet medication, helping Andrew avoid potential complications and receive the appropriate treatment at the earliest opportunity.

Medications
can fail
for many reasons.

Genetics are just one of several factors
that influence the safety and efficacy
of medications.

To optimize medication therapy for your unique situation, a DecisionRx “concierge-pharmacist” will consider:

Your genetics
The number of medications you take
Potential interactions between those medications
Risk of side effects
Contraindications specific to your age, gender, lifestyle,
or chronic conditions

We use our clinical expertise to help your physician make the best possible medication decisions tailored to you.

How
It
Works

Step 1

Activate your kit at www.DecisionRx.com/activate
—OR—
Fill out the enclosed form titled “Patient Intake Questionnaire and Informed Consent.” Be sure to complete both sides.

Step 2

Open the DNA Swab Kit enclosed in this package.

Step 3

Swab your cheek by following the step-by-step instructions found inside the kit.

Step 4

Place your DNA swab sample inside the pre-paid return envelope. If you did not activate the kit online, please be sure to include the completed “Patient Intake Questionnaire and Informed Consent” with your sample. Drop the package in the mail.

Step 5

Once your DNA sample reaches our laboratory, a concierge- pharmacist will prepare a detailed Medication Action Proposal to help guide your healthcare providers in making the best prescription choices for you now and in the future.

Step 6

Within approximately 2 weeks of receiving your completed swab kit, our pharmacist will send your Medication Action Proposal to your healthcare provider. He or she will share the findings with you via phone or a face-to-face appointment. It is extremely important that you do not make any changes to your medication regimen without first consulting with your doctor.

What can
be seen from
my DNA?

Our genetic analysis is limited to the portion of your DNA currently known to impact drug metabolism.

We do not examine genetic information related to your identity, ancestry, disease propensity, or any other traits unrelated to pharmacology.

We maintain strict privacy and data security protocols and will not share your genetic information with anyone other than you and your healthcare providers without your express permission.