Why Pharmacogenomics?
A study shows 50%1 of patients do not respond sufficiently to their initial treatment of antidepressants. As a result, the treatment of depression is often difficult and time-consuming.
The myDNA test can help reduce trial and error when prescribing and ensure that the patients are on the most suitable antidepressant from the beginning 2.
The myDNA test is a multigene pharmacogenomic test that identifies variations in a number of genes affecting the metabolism of many commonly prescribed antidepressants.
Evidence behind pharmacogenomic testing
We reference the guidelines of the Royal Dutch Pharmacists Association, Pharmacogenetics Pharmacogenomics Working Group & the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC), which have been most recently published.
The following publications contain significant evidence for gene-drug associations of which dosage adjustments have been recommended.
- CPIC Guideline for CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 genotypes and dosing of Tricyclic Antidepressants
- CPIC Guideline for CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 genotypes and dosing of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Dutch Pharmacogenetics Working Group guidelines which include a number of antidepressant and antipsychotic medications
Who may benefit from
PGx Testing
The myDNA Mental Health PGx Medication test is beneficial for any patient starting on a new antidepressant medications. This test can provide clinically actionable gene-drug interactions.
Particularly advantageous for patients experiencing adverse effects or poor responses to specific medications.
PGx results are relevant throughout a patient’s lifetime and may apply to future prescriptions.
Genes
Covered
The myDNA PGx Mental Health panel is comprised of 6 genes that are relevant across the therapeutic area of psychiatry.
CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C19, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, CYP3A4
Test Available
Mental Health Medication Test Kit
Covers Mental Health medications under the psychiatry category. This test may help inform the treatment of depression, anxiety, ADHD and other psychiatric conditions.
$149.00
Ordering the test
01 Purchase
Refer your patient to order a PGx Medication Test online.
02 Register
Your patient will register their kit and nominate you as their doctor. Patient will complete the simple cheek swab and send it back to the myDNA Lab.
03 Results
The results will be sent to your practice once they are ready. Your patient will book a consultation to discuss their results.
Please note: Inform your patient that results will not be released until the consultation with their healthcare practitioner has been undertaken.
Medibank members with Mental Health Support included on their cover may be eligible for a rebate towards pharmacogenetic testing for all conditions.
To find out more on how to claim, please visit How to claim – Pharmacogenetic testing.
Turnaround Time:
Our Melbourne-based NATA accredited laboratory provides results within 7-10 working days from sample receipt.
Result Delivery Method:
Results are securely delivered through a portal or via encrypted email for immediate access.
Clinical Support
The myDNA Clinical team consists of qualified clinical geneticists, pharmacists and pharmacologists who are available to discuss specific patient results.
Simply call us on 1300 436 373 or email us on clinical@mydna.life.
Benefits of the myDNA Pharmacogenomics Report
The myDNA report is easy to use with a simple traffic light system, providing clear actions for recommended medications and dosage.
Our testing is done in our Australian Lab, providing fast turnaround times so practitioners are provided with a report within 7 – 10 days of the sample being received.
myDNA provides support through our dedicated clinical team to support complex cases and report interpretation.
The myDNA Mental Health Medications Report
The myDNA Mental Health PGx Medication report details the patient’s unique pharmacogenomic results, offering specific interpretation and prescribing considerations relating to medication and dosage selection that are informed by current evidence-based guidelines established by expert Consortia such as The Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) and The Dutch Pharmacogenetics Working Group (DPWG) as well as regulatory bodies including the TGA and FDA.
Printable Resources
To support the conversation with your patient we have a Doctor’s Overview, Patient Information and a Substrate Card covering all the medications that we provide results for. These documents can be used for your reference.
Doctor’s Overview
Patient Education
Substrate Card
Sample Report
Please contact our customer service team for access to our training resources.
Our pathology partners
The myDNA Test is available through a blood test with the following pathology providers.
Trusted Australian accreditation
Patient Privacy and Security
All DNA remains the property of the patient. DNA samples are de-identified upon arrival at our laboratory to ensure all DNA remains anonymous, and our DNA analysis technique cannot be used to identify individuals or their relatives. myDNA will never share any patient data with third parties without written consent and uses secure encrypted servers to protect it.
References
- Rush AJ, Trivedi MH, Wisniewski SR, Nierenberg AA, Stewart JW, Warden D, et al. Acute and longer-term outcomes in depressed outpatients requiring one or several treatment steps: a STAR*D report. Am J Psychiatry. 2006;163(11):1905-17.
- Dinama O, Warren AM, Kulkarni J. The role of pharmacogenomics in psychiatry: Real world examples. Aust NZ J Psychiat 2014.48(8)778-781