VA now offers genetic testing that can reduce medication side effects and the trial-and-error process of trying different drugs in varying doses. VA’s National Pharmacogenomics (PGx) Program is the largest drug-gene-interaction testing program in the country and helps predict how veterans may respond to different medications. 

There are specific genes linked to how a body processes or responds to specific medications and VA doctors and pharmacists can now order these genetic tests and use the results when prescribing medications. PGx tests are most impactful when starting new medications for veterans with depression, certain cancers, selected heart diseases, infections, inflammation, and more.

Rest assured that when you agree to participate in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) genetic testing, you don’t have to worry that you will lose VA benefits that you have, or that you won’t get other VA benefits in the future.

VA encourages veterans to reach out to their VA provider about PGx testing and how VA can support them. Learn more about PGx here.  Find out if your VA health care system has PGx testing available here.