Genetics and medication response: what your DNA can reveal

Did you know that the reason a medication works wonders for you and does nothing (or causes side effects) for someone else could be written in your DNA? Genetics and medication response are closely related.

Your body has enzymes encoded by genes that process and eliminate drugs. Small variations in these genes can make a medication more effective, less effective or even dangerous for you. Here we explain what your genetics can reveal and how to use it to your advantage.

Want to understand how your body responds to medications? Discover Ajolote Azul's PGx Test.

How are genetics and medication response related?

Each person metabolizes drugs differently. Those differences depend largely on your genes: they define how quickly or slowly you process a medication, which affects its effectiveness and safety. That's why the same dose can heal one person and cause adverse effects in another.

What can your DNA reveal about medications?

A pharmacogenetic test like our PGx Test analyzes more than 100 medications and shows you how your body processes them. It includes categories such as:

• Analgesics (codeine, tramadol, oxycodone)
• Antidepressants and anxiolytics
• Anticoagulants (clopidogrel, warfarin)
• Cholesterol medications
• Oncology treatments (tamoxifen, irinotecan)
• Drugs for ADHD, epilepsy, hypertension and many more

Interested in knowing your profile? Take your PGx Test with Ajolote Azul or book a consultation.

How are the report's results classified?

The report classifies each medication into clear categories so you and your doctor can make safer decisions:

| Category | What it means | | -------------------------- | ----------------------------------------- | | Consider Alternatives | It's worth evaluating another option | | Consider Modified Approach | May require dose adjustment or monitoring | | Use Standard Precautions | Standard use, no particular alerts |

Why leave the "trial and error" approach behind?

For years, medicine worked by trying one drug after another until finding the right one. Today, thanks to pharmacogenetics, it's no longer necessary to start blind: you can know in advance which medications will work best for you and which to avoid. This improves your quality of life, reduces risks and saves time and money on appointments and ineffective treatments.

Your genetics already has the answers

At Ajolote Azul we believe everyone deserves access to this information. That's why we offer high-quality tests, with internationally backed technology and easy-to-understand reports. Your body has its own manual; now it's time to read it, always alongside your doctor.

Want to know how your body responds to medications? Take your PGx Test now with Ajolote Azul. Get your kit at home and, within a few weeks, you'll have a clear report with more than 100 medications analyzed based on your DNA.

Want to go deeper? We recommend:

• How to know which medication works best for me based on my genetics?
• What is pharmacogenetics?
• Genetics and personalized medicine

Sources

• Ajolote Azul – Genetic tests
• MedlinePlus – Pharmacogenomics
• Mayo Clinic – Genetic testing
• PMC – Pharmacogenetics in clinical practice
• MedlinePlus – Genetic testing