Genetic counselling and testing in the field of individual drug efficacy

Genetic differences play an essential role in therapeutic efficacy and safety, but also in the occurrence of adverse drug reactions. The individual tolerability of an administered drug is a daily challenge for the physician. Pharmacogenetics uses information about a person’s genetic makeup (heredity) to select the drugs and drug doses that are most effective for that person.

In the first counselling session, the experts assess the added value of genetic analysis for the persons concerned. Counselling can be particularly helpful in resolving the following situations:

• If the medicine does not work or works insufficiently.
• If undesirable side effects occur without there being any indication that these side effects are due to concurrent therapy with other medicines.
• If unbearable or uncontrollable pain persists despite pain medication.
• If there is evidence that a medicine may have a genetic effect.
• If there is an indication from the manufacturer that genetic pre-testing is recommended as a precautionary measure.

Certain groups of drugs show a pronounced correlation between their effect and genetic predisposition. These groups of medicines include, for example:

• Anticoagulants
• Beta blockers
• Lipid reducers
• Analgesics
• Diuretics
• Stomach acid blockers
• Oral contraceptives

1. Initial consultation between the attending physician or Precise expert and the patient to discuss the genes to be tested and to explain the patient’s rights. At the end of the consultation, written consent is given and the blood sample is taken.
2. Genetic analysis including evaluation in the Precise laboratory and writing of a clinically oriented report of findings.
3. Second consultation between the attending physician or Precise expert and the patient to discuss the findings, including classification of the findings in the overall treatment process and discussion of suitable preventive measures and/or treatment options.

Genetic counselling is covered by basic health insurance as a normal medical consultation and is billed via Tarmed. For the genetic analysis, a cost approval is submitted to the health insurance company. The analysis is covered if the results are indicative for medical treatment. In the context of prevention, counselling and analysis are covered as an innovation factor by certain supplementary insurances. Contact your health insurance for more detailed information on your cost coverage.