Pharmacogenomic Testing
An individual’s physiology can impact how a medication affects them, in some cases meaning a drug may have little to no effect. Pharmacogenomics uses advanced genetic testing to help ensure that an individual will respond to the medications they are prescribed. Silverado uses GeneSight® pharmacogenomic testing to help ensure that residents receive effective medications in the most timely manner possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Silverado use pharmacogenomic testing?
Thoroughness is a key element in Silverado’s care philosophy, which means exploring what works as well as what doesn’t work. Traditionally there was no way to determine a person’s response to medications short of actually observing the results over time, and pharmacogenomic testing offers a more immediate response. All new Silverado residents have the option of pharmacogenomics testing.
In the event that behavior stabilization is required and doctors decide to add pharmacological means to help, the time saved by ensuring that a psychotropic drug is effective can help eliminate or reduce the possibility of a stay on a dedicated geropsychiatric facility.
How does it work?
The pharmacogenomics test is fast, easy and painless – a resident’s mouth is swabbed for a DNA sample, which is then sent to a lab for testing. A detailed report is returned to the community within two days (36 hours) and reviewed by Silverado’s clinical staff, who will then make changes to the resident’s medications if the report shows that they are necessary.
The testing covers a range of common drugs, including both analgesics (for pain) and psychotropics (for behavior).
Why do certain drugs not work on certain people?
Genetic differences such as enzymes and metabolism can break down drugs more rapidly or slowly and affect how fast they go through an individual’s system. Scientists have identified the genetic markers that signify if an individual is among those for whom certain drugs are ineffective.
For more information on pharmacogenomic testing or to tour a Silverado Memory Care Community, please find a location near you.
The Effectiveness of Testing
In a recent American Psychiatric Association (APA) meeting in New York City, Dr. John Greden (Psychiatrist – U of Michigan) released the results of the largest Pharmacogenomics study in history – a double blind, randomized control study of 1,167 patients over 60 study sites.
Research was conducted in two arms: One with psychiatrists diagnosing and prescribing in the conventional manner, and the other arm diagnosing using the information gained through Genesight pharmacogenomic tests. The research revealed the following:
- After 8 weeks the GeneSight arm experienced 30% higher response rates and 50% higher remission rates
- After 24 weeks the results doubled again
To watch a short news story on the effectiveness of pharmacogenomics, click here.
