Pharmacogenetic testing: how your DNA can help inform medication choices

Taking medication is often seen as straightforward. Yet the same drug can be effective for one person, less effective for another, or cause unwanted side effects.
One key reason lies in our biology: we do not all metabolize medications in the same way.

This is where Adnà’s pharmacogenetic test comes in. It helps explore how your genetic profile may influence your response to certain medications, providing scientifically grounded information that can support discussions with healthcare professionals.

What is pharmacogenetics?

Pharmacogenetics is the scientific study of how genetic variations affect drug metabolism, efficacy, and tolerance.

Some genes encode enzymes involved in:

• activating medications,
• breaking them down at different speeds,
• or eliminating them from the body.

Natural genetic differences in these genes can help explain why:

• a medication works well for one person,
• requires dose adjustment for another,
• or leads to adverse effects in some individuals.

Importantly, pharmacogenetics does not determine which medication should be prescribed. It provides biological insight that may help guide clinical decision-making.

What does the Adnà pharmacogenetic test analyze?

The test focuses on well-studied genes involved in drug metabolism, including key members of the CYP450 enzyme family, which are widely referenced in clinical pharmacology.

Based on your genetic profile, certain medications may be:

• metabolized more slowly than average,
• metabolized more quickly than average,
• or metabolized within a typical range.

The Adnà report highlights:

• medications that may require closer monitoring,
• situations where dosage discussions may be relevant,
• or cases where alternative options could be explored with a healthcare provider.

This video (in French) explores one person's experience with Adnà's Pharmacogenetic Report: Médecine de précision: Soigner mieux grâce à votre génétique

Which medications are concerned?

Pharmacogenetics applies to several therapeutic categories, including:

• certain antidepressants and anxiolytics
• some pain medications
• selected cardiovascular drugs
• medications used in gastroenterology
• and other commonly prescribed treatments

⚠️ Important note
This test must not be used to start, stop, or modify medication without the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.

Who may benefit from pharmacogenetic testing?

Adnà’s pharmacogenetic test may be relevant if you:

• have experienced significant side effects with certain medications,
• feel that some treatments have been ineffective despite proper use,
• take multiple medications and want a better understanding of your biological profile,
• wish to adopt a more personalized, informed approach to healthcare.

It can also be considered before initiating a treatment, as part of a broader clinical discussion.

A simple, non-invasive, and confidential test

The test is performed using a saliva sample, collected at home.

At Adnà, we place strong emphasis on:

• genetic data confidentiality,
• clear and accessible reporting,
• responsible interpretation of results.

Your genetic data belongs to you. You decide if, when, and with whom you share your results.

What pharmacogenetics can — and cannot — do

A balanced understanding is essential.

✔️ What it can provide

• Insight into how your body may process certain medications
• An additional tool to support healthcare professionals
• A step toward more individualized treatment strategies

✖️ What it does not do

• It does not diagnose medical conditions
• It does not replace medical advice
• It does not eliminate all risk of side effects

Pharmacogenetics is one component of personalized medicine — not a standalone solution.

Why integrate pharmacogenetics into a broader health approach?

At Adnà, we believe personalized healthcare starts with understanding, not prediction or promises.

Pharmacogenetics contributes to a more informed dialogue between individuals and healthcare providers, helping transform complex genetic data into useful, actionable knowledge.

Because understanding your DNA can also mean understanding how your body interacts with everyday treatments.