Pharmacogenomics: what an existing report may mean for your medicines
How genetic results may relate to medicines, what to check in a report and why a clinician needs your medical history to interpret it.
Published 2 August 2026 · Last updated 2 August 2026 · 7 min read
In brief
- Some gene variants can influence how particular medicines are processed or how likely certain effects are.
- A result is relevant only when evidence links the tested gene variant to the medicine.
- A consumer DNA result may need confirmation before it can inform prescribing.
MedReview service availability
Pharmacogenomics is coming soon to MedReview and is not currently included in Diamond or any other medicines-review package. Please do not submit genetic results, DNA reports or raw genome files through the current patient service.
How genetic results can inform prescribing
Pharmacogenomics studies how inherited genetic differences can affect the way a person responds to some medicines. For a limited and growing group of medicines, a well-validated result may help a clinician think about dose, treatment choice or additional monitoring.
Not every side effect is genetic, and useful tests are not available for every medicine. A report cannot choose treatment automatically. A clinician also needs to consider age, kidney and liver function, other medicines, diagnosis, treatment history and personal goals.
The source of the report matters
A clinical laboratory report should identify the laboratory, method, genes and variants tested, result, interpretation and relevant limitations. Raw data from a consumer test or an interpretation from a third party may not provide the same level of evidence.
Before using a result to guide prescribing, the responsible clinician may need the original report or confirmation by an appropriately accredited clinical laboratory. Check which variants were tested, as the report cannot cover variants outside that panel.
- Keep the original report, not only a screenshot or coloured summary.
- Check the person’s identity, sample date, laboratory and test scope.
- Do not upload raw genome files to a general medicines-review service.
- Never change a medicine because an app labels it red, amber or green.
Interpreting a result alongside your medicines
A pharmacist can compare a relevant, verifiable result with your current medicines and established guidance. They can then explain whether it may affect treatment, adds information without changing treatment, or has no relevance to the medicines you currently take.
The result is one part of a prescribing decision made with your clinician. They should explain any uncertainty in the evidence or if they cannot verify the report.