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This publication is online at http://www.nigms.nih.gov/funding/medforyou.html. 

This publication can be made available in formats that are more accessible to people with disabilities. To request this material in a different format or to order 

additional copies, contact the NIGMS Office of Communications and Public Liaison at 301-496-7301, TDD 301-402-6327; send e-mail to info@nigms.nih.gov; or write to the office at the following address: 45 Center Drive MSC 6200, Bethesda, MD 20892-6200. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health National Institute of General Medical Sciences NIH Publication No. 05-4657 Revised February 2005 http://www.nigms.nih.gov 

MEDICINES FOR YOU 

Studying How Your Genes Can Make a Difference 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF 

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 

National Institutes of Health National Institute of General Medical Sciences 
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Will participating in this kind of study have any effects on my health? Most of these research studies involve drawing a blood sample or rubbing the inside of a volunteer’s cheek with a cotton swab to collect cells. Scientists get DNA—the genetic material—from these samples. There are no significant health risks associated with this type of test. Will I need to take medicine to participate in this research? Not usually. However, some pharmacogenetic studies may involve asking a research participant to take a medicine in addition to providing a DNA sample. People who volunteer for this type of study are fully informed of potential risks. What happens to my DNA sample? Scientists store the DNA information provided by your sample in a research database. Your DNA sample will 

only be used for the research explained to you before you agree to participate. You may also be asked if your DNA sample could be used for certain future medical research studies. That decision is entirely up to you. What about my privacy? The privacy of all people participating in this research is protected. Scientists will not match your name or 

other information with the DNA information that is recorded in the research database. Will the researchers tell me what they learn about my DNA? That depends on the design of the research study. The steps that make sure no one knows a DNA sample came from you mean that the scientists would not be able to provide you with specific information about your health. However, the results of the study will most likely be published in a scientific journal, advancing medical knowledge and helping many others. Is pharmacogenetic testing available now? Currently, most pharmacogenetic testing is done on a research basis, although more widespread testing may become available in a few years. The Food and Drug Administration is developing new rules about including pharmacogenetic information, when available, in material that health care providers use when prescribing medicines. 

Medicines for You
 

Your lifestyle, the food you eat, and where you live and work can all affect how you respond to medicines. But your genes can 

also play a role. Scientists are studying how your genes, contained in your DNA, influence your response to medicines. This type of research is called pharmacogenetics or pharmacogenomics. In recent years, scientists have found genetic variations that affect people s responses to cholesterol-lowering medicines, cancer treatments, AIDS medicines, and many other commonly used drugs. In time, this research will provide information to guide your health care provider in prescribing the correct medicine and dose for your body s needs. 

Same Medicine, Different Genes, Different Effects 

AIDS medicines Allergy medicines Anesthetics Antibiotics Antidepressants Asthma medicines Cancer medicines Heart medicines Heartburn treatments Painkillers Seizure medicines