What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you've experienced unexpected side effects from medications, need to start a new prescription, or want to understand why certain drugs don't seem to work well for you. It analyzes your genetic makeup to reveal how your body processes and metabolizes medications, helping you and your doctor choose the safest and most effective treatments. Many people use this test to avoid trial-and-error with medications and reduce the risk of adverse drug reactions.

What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in plain language explaining how your specific genetic variant affects medication processing and what this means for drug choices. These notes include personalized guidance on which medications you may metabolize too quickly or too slowly, helping inform discussions with your healthcare provider about dosage adjustments or alternative treatments. You'll also get the standard lab report and can save your genetic information for future reference whenever you're prescribed new medications.

What's included in this test?

This test measures the CYP2D6 gene variants that determine your medication metabolism status. This test analyzes the CYP2D6 gene, which produces an enzyme responsible for metabolizing about 25% of commonly prescribed medications including antidepressants, pain medications, heart drugs, and certain cancer treatments. Your genetic variations determine whether you're a poor, intermediate, normal, or ultra-rapid metabolizer, which directly impacts how effectively and safely your body processes these drugs. Understanding your CYP2D6 genotype helps predict medication response and guides personalized dosing recommendations to optimize treatment outcomes and minimize side effects.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is valuable for anyone starting new medications, especially antidepressants, pain medications, or heart drugs that are metabolized by the CYP2D6 enzyme. It's particularly helpful for people who have experienced side effects from medications, those who haven't responded well to standard drug treatments, or anyone with a family history of medication sensitivities. People taking multiple medications or those with chronic conditions requiring long-term drug therapy can also benefit from knowing their metabolizer status.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Consider this test if you've experienced severe or unusual side effects from medications that others tolerate well, or if prescribed drugs seem ineffective at standard doses. Signs include unexpected drowsiness, rapid heart rate, mood changes, or digestive issues when starting new medications. This test is also worth considering if you've had to try multiple medications before finding one that works, or if your doctor is considering prescribing a drug known to be affected by CYP2D6 metabolism.

What is CYP2D6 and why does it matter?

CYP2D6 is a gene that produces an enzyme in your liver responsible for breaking down and eliminating about 25% of all prescription medications from your body. Your genetic variation determines whether you metabolize drugs normally, too slowly (leading to drug buildup and side effects), or too quickly (leading to reduced effectiveness). Knowing your CYP2D6 status helps doctors prescribe the right medication at the right dose the first time, reducing trial-and-error and improving treatment safety and effectiveness.

What does it mean if I'm a poor metabolizer?

Being a poor metabolizer means your body breaks down certain medications very slowly, causing drugs to stay in your system longer than expected. This can lead to increased side effects or toxicity even at normal doses, because the medication builds up in your bloodstream. Your doctor may need to prescribe lower doses or choose alternative medications that aren't processed by CYP2D6 to ensure safe and effective treatment.

What does it mean if I'm an ultra-rapid metabolizer?

Being an ultra-rapid metabolizer means your body breaks down certain medications much faster than average, which can make standard doses less effective or ineffective entirely. Drugs may be cleared from your system before they have time to work properly, requiring higher doses or more frequent administration. Your doctor can use this information to adjust treatment plans or select medications that work better for your metabolizer type.

Which medications are affected by CYP2D6?

CYP2D6 affects many common medications including antidepressants like fluoxetine and paroxetine, pain medications like codeine and tramadol, heart medications like metoprolol, antipsychotics like risperidone, and some cancer drugs like tamoxifen. The enzyme also processes antihistamines, nausea medications, and certain cough suppressants. Knowing your CYP2D6 status is particularly important before starting any of these medications to optimize dosing and minimize risks.

Is this a one-time test?

Yes, this is a one-time genetic test because your DNA doesn't change throughout your lifetime. Once you know your CYP2D6 genotype, this information remains relevant forever and can be referenced whenever you're prescribed new medications. You can share your results with all your healthcare providers to help guide medication decisions throughout your life, making it a valuable long-term investment in your healthcare safety and effectiveness.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Medication Metabolism Test - Drug Safety & Side Effects

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]

Genetic Test for Medication Side Effects and Drug Safety

Cytochrome P450 2D6 Genotype

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

What's included in this test?

What happens after I get my results?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Genetic Test for Medication Side Effects and Drug Safety

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say