Reader TTS

VA now offers a no-cost blood test to patients to understand how your body responds to medication. Genes are parts of our DNA that provide instructions on how your body develops and

functions. Everyone has small differences in their genes, and because of this, people may respond differently to medicines. HOW CAN THE RESULTS BE BENEFICIAL FOR YOU? * Help your provider

find a medication that is safe for you * Decrease side effects * Reduce the trial-and-error process of medication commonly seen with antidepressants and pain regimens MEDICATIONS THAT CAN BE

IMPACTED INCLUDE: * Antidepressants * Pain medications * Stomach medications * Cholesterol medications * And many more WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW BEFORE TESTING? * Testing is free for Veterans

* Pharmacogenomics is just one factor that may impact how you respond to a medicine * Other factors include your age, sex, race, ethnicity, and other medicines you may be taking * Federal

law protects patients from discrimination by insurance companies or employers based on testing results * If you have had a liver or certain bone marrow transplants, you are not a candidate

for testing IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN TESTING * Please speak to your health care provider * Never stop taking your medications without first speaking to your provider FOR ASSISTANCE WITH

COORDINATING YOUR BLOOD TEST AT WASHINGTON DC VA MEDICAL CENTER, CONTACT: [email protected]