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How it works
- 01Check eligibility
Search your medication to see if it is eligible for a genetic medicines test
- 02Receive test kit
You will receive a DNA buccal kit with instructions on how to collect your sample
- 03Return sample
Our laboratory will check for genetic variations and produce a report
- 04Get results
You will be invited to book a video consultation to discuss your results
Search your medication to check eligibility
See how NowPatient is helping individuals with precision medicine in the UK and the US
Service Information
What is the Genetic Medicines Test?
The Genetic Medicines Test informs you about how your DNA variants may influence your body’s ability to process your medication. The service promises to personalise your treatment therapy by using your genetic profile to guide your doctor to optimise your medication or dose frequency selection. It is the UK’s first private service of its kind, as well as also being available for US users.
Give me an example of why this service may suit me?
In psychiatry, the selection of antipsychotics and antidepressants is generally led by a trial-and-error approach. The prescribing of these medications is complicated by sub-optimal efficacy and high rates of adverse drug reactions (ADR’s). This means your therapy may not be working as expected.
The Genetic Medicines Test can guide your prescriber to optimise the dosing and ensure that therapy is both effective and personalised to you.
What genes do you test?
We currently test for 2 gene panels to help you understand how the medications you take may interact with them. Our laboratory checks for mutations and has a validated sensitivity of >99%.
The 2 gene panel tests we test are:
- CYP2C19
- CYP2D6
CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 are important drug-metabolizing enzymes that are involved in the metabolism of over 30% of all medications. It covers common drug groups like anti-depressants and anti-psychotics.
What is CYP2C19?
CYP2C19 acts on 5-10% of drugs in current clinical use. About 3-6% of individuals of European & African origin, as well as 13-23% of Asians, have a slow-acting, poor metabolizer form of this enzyme.
What Is CYP2D6?
CYP2D6 acts on 25% of all prescription drugs. Approximately 7% of the population has a slow-acting form of this enzyme and 7% a super-fast acting form. 35% are carriers of a non-functional CYP2D6 allele, which especially elevates the risk of adverse drug reactions when these individuals are taking multiple drugs.
What are the benefits for me?
Limiting adverse effects
If there is a change in your DNA that causes the gene to produce fewer proteins then your body could break some medications down slower leading to a higher chance of side effects as the medications ‘builds up’.
Therapeutic Efficacy
If your body is producing too many of these proteins then you might work through medications too quickly to really get a benefit from them.
Genetic Medicines Test results are Life-long results
These results are life-long results. However, as tests change and new genes are researched you may be asked or want to perform further Genetic Medicines Tests in the future. The laboratory reference sheet at the end of the report will be your best resource for determining if other testing could provide benefits.
Benefit outside of initially ordered indication
Some genes, like CYP2D6 and CYP2C19, can provide information on multiple drug classes. For instance, these same genes can be involved in antidepressant medications, opioid pain medications, antipsychotics, proton pump inhibitors and nerve pain medications.
What are the limitations I need to be made aware of?
Does not cover all medications
This test does not tell us about all drugs, only certain drugs that are broken down in the liver. Some medications are not broken down and are removed from the body by our kidneys. Others are broken down by enzymes not evaluated by this test
Negative Predictive Test (NPT)
It is possible that the results of the testing will not help you and your physician in managing your care. Even if we narrow down the choices based on the results, it doesn’t guarantee that those medicines will work for you. There may still be some trial and error.
Only one part of the medication selection process
Keep in mind that genetics is one of many factors taken into consideration when selecting a medication. Depending on the medication, drug-drug interactions, kidney and liver function, age, weight and diet, just to name a few, can also play a role.
May not catch rare variations
Genetic Medicine testing does not evaluate the entire gene. We look for changes that are known to affect how you respond to a drug. You may have a change in your genes that we are not looking for. If that happens, you could have a normal test result and still have changes in how you respond to medications. As more research is completed, different tests may be available in the future.
Genes with limited evidence
The Genetic Medicines Test we use gives us the results for many genes. Our clinicians will only make recommendations for genes that have enough research to help us select medications. The genes we do not talk about today may become important in the future as research develops.
Are there any concerns or risks I need to be aware of?
Genetic discrimination and protections
If you are concerned about the risks of genetic testing with respect to insurance coverage, we refer you to the UK Code on Genetic Testing and Insurance. This code bars employers and health insurance from discrimination based on genetic testing.
Disease risk
This test does not look at disease risk or other health factors. Genetic Medicine testing only looks at genes and their relation to the response to certain medications.
Evidence for Genetic Medicines Tests
Our testing is based on CPIC (Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium) evidence. The medications we offer testing on through the service have a PharmGKB Clinical Annotation Level of evidence of 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B and a CPIC level status of ‘final’.
CPIC level A and level B gene/drug pairs have sufficient evidence for at least one prescribing action to be recommended and only those gene/drug pairs that have been the subject of sufficient in-depth review of evidence are given the CPIC assignment level of ‘final’.
How do I know your service is safe & reliable?
For UK users, our German laboratory complies with the fundamental guidelines set out in the quality assurance for clinical laboratory testing by the German Medical Association (Bundesarztekammer). Furthermore, the requirements of DIN EN ISO 15189:2014 are all met and are established in an integrated quality management system based on the certification according to DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 and the requirements of the Rili-BAK (2019). In addition, all consumables used for sample collection are procured in the UK and certified with conformance standards bodies.
For US users, our American laboratory is CLIA-certified and registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Both the UK and US service utilizes Clinical Decision Support (CDS) software based on the evidence base of the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC).
Do I need to pay for the service?
Yes, this is currently a private service. However, in the UK, this may change and may be funded by the NHS, in the future. In the US, it may be possible it is covered by Insurance but depends on your health plan.
How will I know if I am eligible for Genetic Medicine Test and how do I place an order?
If you complete your health profile, we can assess your medication and see if you are eligible for a Genetic Medicine Test. If you qualify, you will see an alert on the Genetic Medicine Test widget which is located at the bottom of your dashboard. Click the alert on the widget and it will take you to a new screen where you can select the test that you are eligible for, and then checkout. If you miss the alert on the widget, do not worry, we will also send you a notification informing you of your eligibility. This will appear on ‘My Notifications’ on your dashboard.
You can also search you medication directly to see if you are eligible for a Genetic Medicine Test. You can do this from the Genetic Medicine Test widget by selecting the action ‘check eligibility’. You will be taken to a search page where you can look up and select your medication. If you are eligible, we will show you which panels are available for testing. You can then add to the cart and checkout.
You can ‘star’ the Genetic Medicines Test widget to have it display in the ‘My Favourite Widgets’ section of your dashboard, for ease of future booking or checking active or past orders.
I have been recommended two tests covering CYP2D6 and CYP2C19, do I need both?
Yes. Your medication may be sensitive to both CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 therefore we recommend you have both panels tested. For example, CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 are two clinically relevant genes that can influence how your body metabolizes antidepressants. If you only had one gene panel tested, this would not give you conclusive information about how your body processes the medication you take because the other panel’s influence would be unknown.
What happens after I place my order and will I get status updates?
Yes. After you place your order and you have successfully checked out, we will send you a Genetic Medicine Test kit. This kit normally takes between 2-3 days to get to you. We will always keep you fully updated with the status of your order including tracking details. Every time the status of your order changes, you will be notified immediately. These notifications will appear in your ‘My Notifications’ section on your dashboard. You can click the notification and it will take you to your active orders screen which will give you a timeline overview of the progress of your order. This can also be accessed using the ‘My Orders’ quick action widget which is on your dashboard. Here, you can access active and past orders.
How will I know how to use the test kit?
Instructions for genetic sample collection are enclosed in each collection kit.
How do I return the sample to your laboratory?
We supply you with a return system package. Use this to send back the sample. Samples are fully tracked and can be posted from any Royal Mail post box, for UK customers, or USPS, for US customers.
How long does it take to get the test results back and what happens next?
Test results can take up to 10 working days to process from the day we receive your sample back. When we have processed your results, you will be sent a notification which will appear in your ‘My Notifications’ section on your dashboard, which will advise you that your results are now in the ‘My Documents’ section of your dashboard, however, the test results will be locked and will not be viewable. The notification will include a link that will allow you to book a consultation with one of our pharmacogenetics counsellors.
How do I book a consultation?
Once you click ‘Book Consultation’, you will be taken to a consultation booking screen. You will then need to select a date and time that is convenient for you, along with the preferred language of the prescribing clinician you wish to choose. You will then see a list of all available clinicians. From this list, you can filter clinicians by gender and then select the clinician you would like to confirm for your booking. Once you have approved this, you will see a summary of the appointment including preliminary information about the consultation. At this point, you will also be able to add a reminder to your calendar. Always ensure your account health profile is up to date before any consultation. This ensures that our clinicians have the most up-to-date information about your current health status and anything that may influence their prescribing decisions. You will receive a push notification and email reminding you of your consultation, 30 minutes before it is due to start.
What happens during the consultation?
At the consultation, the clinician will discuss what the results mean for you and the medication you are currently taking. If the clinician decides that your doctor may need to review your medication or dose, they will send a referral letter, including the test results, to your doctor. If the clinician decides the results do not affect the way you process your medications then the consultation will end.
What happens at the end of the consultation?
At the end of the consultation, you will receive a notification which will summarise the outcomes of the consultation. It will also advise if a doctor referral was made, by way of letter. If a GP referral letter was issued, you will be able to view a copy of this in the ‘My Documents’ section of your dashboard. At this stage, your test results will also be unlocked and you will be able to download it and share it with any other healthcare provider.
Are my results confidential?
Yes, we follow strict General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) which came into force in May 2018. This places legal requirements on ourselves to ensure your personal data is managed securely with utmost confidentiality. Records are maintained of the processing that is carried out and reported when breaches of the regulation do occur. Our platform is also HIPAA compliant which means we are able to handle PHI (Personal Health Information) securely.
About Telehealth
Are remote video consultations right for me?
Remote video consultations or synchronous consultations are suitable for many patients who do not need a physical examination and who can communicate via video. Remote video consultations might not always be suitable – for example, if you need a test or physical examination. If that is the case, you will need to attend your doctor’s practice.
Although our Clinicians are clinically trained in various services that we provide, they are not a substitute for your doctor if you have a serious illness or life-threatening condition. If at any time during your remote video consultation, you feel that you would like to end that consultation, then you can say so and the consultation will be ended.
How do I know if the remote video consultation service is safe?
NowPatient has specific safeguards and protocols in place that ensures the service we provide you is safe, secure and effective. Our video technology platform is certified to the highest industry standards of data security and clinical governance.
Do I need to verify my identity during the remote video consultation?
Yes, for your safety and to ensure that the service we provide you, complies with regulations, our clinicians will request that you hold up your ID at the start of your virtual consultation to verify your identity.
Can I have a chaperone (carer, friend, family member) join a remote video consultation?
Yes. If they are in the same location as you, it is possible to have someone with you during your video consultation. You should let your clinician know if you have someone with you at the start of your appointment. You may be asked what relationship the chaperone has to you.
How can I be sure that you are handling and protecting my data securely?
We not only meet the UK and US standards for data security but we exceed them. We demonstrate this by regularly auditing our systems, both internally and externally.
Our various externally audited accreditations such as ISO27001, DTAC, DSPT, and Cyber Essentials + demonstrate our compliance with global security standards and should give you peace of mind.
How is my data stored?
NowPatient’s commitment to data residency is a key priority, and to that end, we only house data in validated data centers. We pledge that UK-based data remains solely in the UK, while US data is governed by HIPAA-prescribed data security protocols.
The data centers we use align with the highest standards of security and privacy, which is demonstrated by a programme of regular external audits to demonstrate the efficacy of safeguards against contemporary threats.
Are my consultations confidential?
Yes, we follow strict General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) which came into force in May 2018. This places legal requirements on ourselves to ensure your personal data is managed securely with the utmost confidentiality. Records are maintained of the processing that is carried out and reported when breaches of the regulation do occur. Our platform is also HIPAA compliant which means we are able to handle PHI (Personal Health Information) securely.
Can I select which clinician I have my consultation with?
Yes. NowPatient allows you to choose from a pool of clinicians based on competencies, gender and languages spoken.
Will my doctor be informed of any consultations I have through the app?
We recognize that your doctor is responsible for your overall care. Our clinicians will communicate with your doctor if they have concerns or recommendations that could be beneficial for your overall care. Referrals are only made upon your explicit consent or if they form part of the terms of service that you consent to.
Do remote video consultations save money for health systems?
The traditional healthcare model encourages patients with health concerns to visit their doctor or pharmacy to seek a consultation. NowPatient is the first remote video consultation service that connects patients to a multi-disciplinary team of clinicians.
It allows patients to book a consultation with a clinician from anywhere in the United Kingdom and the United States. Consultations can be conducted using a smartphone, tablet or PC.
Are remote video consultations safer than online questionnaires?
NowPatient only provides its services in real time over a live video feed. This is called synchronous telehealth. We believe it is the safest way for you to receive remote care because it is in real-time. It is especially beneficial in an emergency situation as the clinician and patient can visually see each other. The clinician can ask all the questions they need to make a diagnosis or build a treatment plan during the consultation. Equally, any concerns you have can be addressed at the point of consultation.
Some providers use a low-tech approach for conducting clinical services such as a questionnaire or quiz. Although it may be suitable for low-risk clinical services, it often means you will not have any face-to-face interaction nor be able to raise concerns about treatment or diagnosis, in real-time, with the clinician who is providing your care.
What quality of care can I expect to receive from a remote video consultation?
Your remote video consultation, conducted by a NowPatient clinician, will always seek to provide you with safe, high-quality care. Your health and well-being is our priority. We continuously monitor and assess the services we provide you to ensure that it is safe, effective, caring and well-led.
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WHY WE BUILT NOWPATIENT
To improve the lives of everyone by making high-quality care accessible and convenient
We are here to improve lives. Our service gives you access to smart features and resources that can help empower you to take control of your health and improve your health outcomes. All this, in one place, for FREE. We strive to bring a fresh perspective to managing health. NowPatient can be accessed by downloading the App or using your web browser.
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Can I trust NowPatient
Meet our medical team
We are a passionate group of clinicians and medical writers covering a broad range of specialities with experience operating in health systems in the United Kingdom & United States. Providing excellent care and advice is at the heart of everything we do. You can read more about our medical team by visiting the medical team page or learn more about how we curate content by visiting our editorial process
Your Questions Answered
For your peace of mind, we can answer your questions quickly
Frequently Asked Questions
What does NowPatient do?
NowPatient is an online pharmacy & telehealth service that is available in the US and UK. Our service is FREE and packed with useful features that can help you save money on the cost of your medications, access virtual treatments, and provide tools that can help improve your overall health. Get started today and benefit from medication reminders, private treatment plans, NHS online pharmacy, GP appointment booking, Rx savings card, Drug Coupons, US drug savings programs, health conditions information, genetic testing, home test kits, BMI Risks, Type 2 Diabetes Risks, pollen meter, air quality monitor, and lots more!
Our service is operated by experienced medical professionals in the United States and the United Kingdom.
You can view the online services we provide by clicking the link Features.
UK users can safely and securely buy medicines online that treat a wide range of medical conditions. UK customers can also order prescriptions online with free delivery on all NHS prescriptions. US customers, regardless of insurance coverage, can enjoy huge savings on prescription medications using our various savings programs including drug coupons and manufacturer sponsored patient assistance programs.
Where is NowPatient located?
We operate in the United Kingdom and United States.
In the UK, we are located at:
NowPatient
28 Chipstead Valley Road
Coulsdon
Surrey
CR52RA
In the US, we are located at:
NowPatient
8911 North Capital of Texas Highway
Suite 4200 #1263
78759
Austin, TX
How can I contact NowPatient?
To contact NowPatient, please visit our Contact Us page.
There you will find a contact form for general enquiries.
Alternatively, our contact numbers are as follows:
UK telephone number – 020 388 51 500
US telephone number – 1-866-967-1977
Who owns NowPatient?
NowPatient is owned and operated by Infohealth Ltd, a licensed online pharmacy with services spanning the UK, US and Rest of the World. We help you access affordable healthcare, prescriptions, and telehealth services, all designed to improve your health and well-being. It’s a convenient and comprehensive healthcare platform that puts you in control – using cutting edge technology to help you improve your health outcomes, all in one place for FREE.
Can you tell me more about your NHS online pharmacy?
Pharmaceutical services in the UK are provided by Infohealth Limited trading as ‘Infohealth Pharmacy’. Our dispensing pharmacy is regulated and authorized for internet sales by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), registration number 1036487. You can view our license credentials on the General Pharmaceutical Council website. Our superintendent pharmacist who is responsible for the safe and effective oversight of medicines supplies is Mr Amish Patel (Registration Number 2042705). Medicines are not ordinary items of commerce. All medicines or healthcare product sales are made under the supervision of a registered pharmacist who is licensed by the GPhC. At all times, we endeavor to provide a professional and transparent service whose primary goal is to ensure that the best interests of the patient are served. From time to time, we accept that service levels may not be up to expectations. In the event you wish to make a formal complaint, we have a clear and transparent complaints procedure.
How do I make a complaint?
NowPatient welcomes concerns, compliments and complaints as valuable feedback that will help us learn from your experiences and make improvements. You can find out more by clicking the link below:
Complaints Procedures
Can you tell more about NowPatient prescribing services for treatments offered?
Our prescribing services are regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). We provide the following regulated activity:
• treatment of disease, disorder, or injury
• transport services, triage, and medical advice are provided remotely
• caring for adults over 65 years old
• caring for adults under 65 years old
NowPatient prescribing services are run by Infohealth Limited. The Clinical Safety Officer and nominated individual is Mr Navin Khosla.
Can you tell me more about NowPatient’ US services?
Our head of US services is Dr. Jamie Winn. We do not provide any prescribing services or dispensing services in the United States. Our US service offers you access to programs that can help lower the cost of your medications. It is useful for everyone, including insured, uninsured or underinsured individuals. Our drug savings programs includes savings cards, drug coupons, Canadian prescription prices for buying your medication without insurance, advice on manufacturer-sponsored assistance programs, and other savings tools and resources.
Is NowPatient legit and can I trust information from NowPatient?
Yes. NowPatient is operated by experienced licensed medical professionals in the United Kingdom and United States. You can find out more about the NowPatient medical team by clicking the link Medical Team.
NowPatient strives to deliver trustworthy, accessible, and relevant medical information. Our editorial process provides safeguards and controls that allow us to consistently produce content that empowers you to effectively manage your health and well-being. You can find out more by clicking the link Editorial process.
What are the opening hours for NowPatient?
Our contact hours are from:
UK – Monday-Friday 9am-6pm GMT
US – Monday-Friday 8am-5pm EST
Please note that we are closed at weekends.
If you are in the UK
• For out of hours medical advice please call 111
• For medical emergency call 999
If you are in the US
• For medical emergency call 911