Pharmacogenomics

Overview

The Center for Personalized Genetic Healthcare (CPGH) offers pharmacogenomic counseling and testing to individuals who are not responding to medication regimens or who are experiencing adverse side effects.

What is pharmacogenomics?

Pharmacogenomics is the study of how an individual’s genetic makeup influences response to different medications. Currently, selection of medication and dose often follows a “one-size-fits-all” model. But just as genetic makeup determines eye and hair color, genes may also affect how individuals breakdown medications. Some may experience side effects while others may not feel any therapeutic benefits, despite being prescribed the same medication and dose. It is important to know that other factors, such as age, lifestyle and drug-drug interactions, will change how you respond to medications. While healthcare providers consider these factors in providing care, pharmacogenomics can be an innovative tool to help your healthcare providers personalize your treatments based on your genes. However, you should not make any medication changes without first consulting with a physician or healthcare provider.

How can pharmacogenomic testing help?

With pharmacogenomic testing, we can gain insight into how you may breakdown certain medications. Testing may help identify some medications that should be avoided or prescribed at a different dose.

What are current limitations of pharmacogenomic testing?

Pharmacogenomic testing is one tool that may help narrow the number of medications to try, but it will not point to the “perfect” medications for you. Testing does not provide information regarding response to all medications that are currently prescribed in the U.S. nor dietary and herbal supplements.

Scheduling an Appointment

Prior to requesting an appointment, you will need to obtain a referral from your physician. If you are a patient outside the Cleveland Clinic health system, please have your physician complete a referral form and fax to 216.445.6935. To learn more about how to prepare for your appointment, review the "What to Expect" tab.

• Patient Referral form

Our Team

The Center for Personalized Genetic Healthcare (CPGH) is committed to providing comprehensive clinical genetic services, education and support to patients and family members. Our team of genetic experts will work with other Cleveland Clinic primary care providers and specialists to personalize your care by incorporating your genetic information into your overall health care plan.

Clinical Geneticist

• Angelika Erwin, MD, PhD

Pharmacogenomics Clinical Specialist

• Jennifer Hockings, PharmD, PhD

Who Should Be Seen

You should consider having a pharmacogenomic evaluation if you have a personal history or have concerns about the following:

• Serious side effects of certain medications.
• Identifying medications or doses of medications that are most likely to work for you before starting.

Contact your primary care provider or the Center for Personalized Genetic Healthcare (CPGH) to discuss whether a pharmacogenomics consultation is appropriate for you.

What To Expect

Physician Referral

Prior to requesting an appointment, you will need to obtain a physician referral. If you are a patient outside the Cleveland Clinic health system, please have your physician complete a referral form and fax to 216.445.6935.

• Patient Referral form

Collect Your Medical Records

If you are a patient outside the Cleveland Clinic health system, you should send an authorization for the release of medical records form to each external facility. You may arrange to have medical records faxed (30 pages or less) to our department at 216.445.6935 or sent via postal mail.

• Release of medical information form

Cleveland Clinic Center for Personalized Genetic Healthcare
Attn: Pharmacogenomics Clinic
9500 Euclid Ave. R4 
Cleveland, OH 44195

Collect Your Medication History

To make the most out of your visit, you should gather medication and health history information prior to your appointment. It may be helpful for you to prepare a list of current and past medications. Specifically, you will want to consider the following:

• Are you experiencing any side effects from current medications?
• Which medications did not alleviate symptoms?
• Which medications were discontinued due to serious side effects or were thought to be ineffective?
• Have you had a transplant or been diagnosed with chronic liver disease?

At Your Visit

We will provide personalized expert counseling and education to you and your family. During your visit, you will see a genetics expert (clinical geneticist) and a pharmacogenomics clinical specialist for a genetics evaluation. You may also be scheduled with other Cleveland Clinic providers during your visit depending on your medical needs and physician availability.

Our comprehensive method for pharmacogenomics involves:

• Review of medication history, if applicable.
• Evaluation of reasons for pharmacogenomic testing, and if appropriate, obtain a sample for pharmacogenomic testing.
• Review of any abnormal test results (e.g., previous pharmacogenomic test results, blood testing), if applicable.
• Education about your specific pharmacogenomic test results and any associated health risks if known.
• Health planning for the future that details suggestions for appropriate medical management.

Following Your Visit

After your visit, it may take anywhere from a few days up to two weeks for your clinical appointment notes to reach the healthcare providers that you requested to receive a copy. We are also glad to communicate with your healthcare providers about your case as needed. You are always welcome to follow up with us with questions regarding your visit.

Cost and Insurance

Genetics consult and testing are billed as two separate services.

Genetic Testing

If genetic testing is indicated, your genetics provider will discuss costs and insurance coverage during your appointment.

Some patients are concerned that their genetic information may be used against them. To learn about your patient rights and protections in place to prevent genetic discrimination, read this article on GINA.

• Genetic discrimination fact sheet (GINA)

To learn more about billing options and financial assistance, review our billing and insurance information.

Appointments & Locations

Prior to requesting an appointment, you will need to obtain a referral from your physician. If you are a patient outside the Cleveland Clinic health system, please have your physician complete a referral form and fax to 216.445.6935. To learn more about how to prepare for your appointment, review the "What to Expect" tab.

• Patient Referral form

To schedule an appointment, please call 216.636.1768 or 800.998.4785.

Locations

T Building - Center for Personalized Genetic Healthcare
9204 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland , OH 44195

• View our Main Campus Map for walking directions