Pharmacogenomics Program

What is Pharmacogenomics?

Genetic differences are called variants. Many variants have little to no effect on how the body works, but some are related to health problems. Further, some variants are related to how our bodies process or respond to medicines. Pharmacogenomics (PGx, for short) is the field of medicine that studies this - how genes and variants affect a person's response to medicines. Several other factors affect how medicines work in the body. PGx testing is one piece of the puzzle.

Learn More About Pharmacogenomics

Pharmacogenomics brochure: English | Spanish

Pharmacogenomic Testing

Pharmacogenetic testing looks at a person’s genetic makeup to identify genetic variants. Typically, testing is done on a blood sample. PGx test results will be used to create a personalized medicine plan. Based on PGx results, some medicines will be used at higher doses, other medicines will used at lower doses, and some medicines will be avoided.

Pharmacogenomics Program at Lurie Children’s

A child’s healthcare team may recommend PGx testing based on medicines that have been prescribed for the child in the past, or medicines that might be considered for treatment in the future. The healthcare team will then connect with the Pharmacogenomics Team, led by Nathan Lamb, PharmD, BCPPS, Pharmacogenomics Coordinator, and Brandon Chalazan, MD, PhD, Attending Physician, Genetics, Genomics and Metabolism.

The Pharmacogenomics Team will:

• Review each patient’s medical history to determine the most appropriate PGx testing
• Provide information about the testing  
• Order testing
• Work with your insurance to get financial approval for the testing
• Review the results and work with the child’s healthcare teams to make a personalized care plan

When To Consider Pharmacogenomic Testing

First, please check this link for a table of known Gene-Drug Interactions.  

PGx testing should be considered for a patient if any of the following are true:

• The patient is currently taking any of the medicines listed in the table
• One of the medicines listed in the table is under consideration to treat the patient in the future
• The patient has had unexpected side effects, or a lack of efficacy has been shown, for any of the medicines listed in the table

Results From Previous Pharmacogenomic Testing

If you, your child or your patient have PGx testing results from a source outside of the Lurie Children’s system, the Pharmacogenomics Team can interpret the results and help the healthcare team at Lurie Children’s make a personalized care plan for you or your child.