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Pharmacogenomics (PGx)

VA now offers a no-cost blood test to patients to understand how your body responds to medication. Genes are parts of our DNA that provide instructions on how your body develops and functions. Everyone has small differences in their genes, and because of this, people may respond differently to medicines.

Your PGx results can:

  • Help your provider find a medication that is safe for you
  • Decrease medication side effects
  • Reduce the trial-and-error process of medication commonly seen with antidepressants and pain regimens

Medications that can be impacted include:

  • Antidepressants
  • Pain medications
  • Stomach medications
  • Cholesterol medications
  • And many more

You should know:

  • Testing is free for Veterans
  • Pharmacogenomics is just one factor that may impact how you respond to a medicine
  • Other factors that may impact how you respond to a medicine include your age, sex, race, ethnicity and other medicines you may be taking
  • Federal law protects patients from discrimination by insurance companies or employers based on testing results
  • If you have had a liver transplant or certain bone marrow transplants, you are not a candidate for testing
If you are interested in testing:
  • Speak to your health care provider
  • Email the VISN 4 Pharmacogenomics Team 
  • Never stop taking your medications without first speaking to your provider or pharmacist

Learn More

Join a PGx Patient Education Session on the first Tuesday of every month at 10 a.m. via Microsoft Teams or by phone:

Connect with a PGx team member via VA’S Health Chat app:

  • Download the VA Health Chat app.
  • Join Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon to chat with a VISN 4 PGx team member. 

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