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Testing for Drug Response

Related Genetic Tests

Tamoxifen Response

Includes a personalized report, a letter for your doctor, and toll-free support

Price: $300.00

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Pre-test & Post-test Consultation

Our genetic experts can counsel you before and after testing.

Price: $250 per hour

Call to schedule: 1-877-646-0222

Related Genetic Tools

Drug Response Test Finder

Over half of all medications are affected by 3 genes that you can test for: CYP 2D6, 2C9 and 2C19. This tool to see which drugs are affected by these genes.

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TAMOXIFEN RESPONSE TESTING

Pros & Cons: Tamoxifen Response Testing

Everyone who is deciding whether or not to get genetic testing should first ask:

"What will I do with the test results?"
"What are the benefits and drawbacks of testing?"
"Are there any implications I should consider?"

Here are reasons why someone might choose to have testing:

You are postmenopausal and:
You and your oncologist feel that testing will provide useful information and will use the test results to recommend treatment options.
You are taking, or considering taking, tamoxifen for the treatment of breast cancer and you have alternate therapy options such as aromatase inhibitors.
You would choose an alternate therapy over tamoxifen, if your test results were to show you are a Poor Metabolizer.
You are of an ethnic group that has higher rates of Poor Metabolizers. (see chart)
Around 25% of commonly prescribed medications are metabolized by 2D6, so your test results could be useful for future prescriptions as well as over-the-counter medication decisions.

Here are reasons why someone might choose not to have testing:

You do not have alternate treatment options to tamoxifen because you are pre- or peri-menopausal.
You do not feel there is enough clinical data to decide against taking tamoxifen if test results show that you are a Poor Metabolizer.
You would not or could not choose to take an alternate treatment if test results show that you are a Poor Metabolizer.
You cannot afford to pay for testing, and testing is not covered by your insurance policy.

If you are considering genetic testing for drug metabolism, it is important to know that our clinical understanding and medical knowledge about the 2D6 gene is evolving. How this gene interacts with tamoxifen and other drugs is an ongoing field of research. What we know today may be different than what we may learn in the future, and more information about the application of your test results may be available in the future.

Next Article: What Is Tamoxifen?