The main objective of pharmacogenetics is to minimize, or even avoid, adverse drug reactions. By knowing how your genetics influence the metabolism and tolerance of certain drugs, you can receive recommendations that help prevent side effects. For some medications, where there is solid scientific evidence, pharmacogenetic recommendations can be very effective in limiting these effects. However, it is important to remember that other factors, such as unanalyzed markers, conditions not included in the test (e.g., lifestyle, personal history, environmental factors), can still influence the response to medications.
Although the pharmacogenetic test can provide valuable information, these results must be discussed with a doctor before making decisions about medication, as it is the healthcare professional who must choose the appropriate treatment, considering not only pharmacogenetic data but also the patient's general health, history, and other relevant factors.
Regarding whether it is mandatory to take a pharmacogenetic test, it is currently not mandatory to perform one before taking medications, although various international organizations such as the FDA, CPIC, and DPWG are working on guidelines for the implementation of pharmacogenetics in clinical practice. However, there is no global consensus on which medications must be tested before starting treatment, and recommendations vary depending on the case and available evidence.