I was offered the chance to try Inagene Complete Health* – a comprehensive test for insights on medications for pain, mental health, heart disease, and other conditions in the fall. According to the non-profit group Adverse Drug Reaction Canada, an estimated 200,000 Canadians will experience severe adverse drug reactions, causing death for 10,000 to 22,000 people each year.
Heart disease, diabetes, hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) and breast cancer all run in my family. My mother and sister both died of breast cancer and my doctor referred me to the Ontario High Risk Breast Screening Program. I receive annual mammograms and MRIs as part of the program. In January 2024, I was diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure) and high cholesterol. I was immediately placed on three different medications to control my conditions.
My mother had a very difficult time adapting to medications over the years resulting in multiple emergency room visits, the need for multiple pill adjustments, specialists, and visits to a medication sensitivity clinic. I discovered my own allergies to codeine, ketamine and propofol (used for general anesthesia and for sedation) when I broke my fibula and required surgery. I broke out into hives both after they reset my ankle and after surgery and was unable to use any painkiller stronger than Tylenol.
With all of these issues in the back of my mind, I was worried when I had to start taking prescription medication to manage my conditions, and because the doctor felt that they were hereditary, she didn’t hold out much hope of me being able to come off of them. When I found out about Inagene, I wanted to learn more.
What are Inagane Medication Screens?
Inagene is a Toronto-based company that makes advanced genetic testing accessible to everyone on their journey to optimal health and wellness. According to information we received from the company, they “deliver personalized health insights tailored to each individual’s unique
genetic profile, empowering informed decisions about medications and lifestyle choices that impact overall well-being.”
The pharmacogenetic (PGx) test is conducted using an oral cheek (buccal) swab that analyzes a person’s DNA to determine which medications are most compatible for you according to your genetic profile. Inagene can be purchased online. Right now, the following tests are available:
Complete Health ($399.00) which looks at 150+ medications specific to cardiology, mental health and pain management.
Shop NowPain and Mental Health ($299.00) reviews more than 85 medications specific to pain management and mental health.
Shop NowCardiovascular Health ($299.00) provided insights into how your body reacts to 49 different types of critical heart medication.
Shop NowNutrition & Fitness ($399.00) looks at how your DNA can tailor your nutrition and fitness plans.
Shop NowInagene is in full compliance with Canadian Data Protection regulations, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), all Canadian Provincial Privacy Regulations, and no Inagene personnel can link your sample to your personal information. To learn more, click this link.
The Process
It was so simple. I received the kit and read the instructions. I highly recommend that you take the time to do this step to avoid having to retake the test. The first thing that I did was take a photo of my ID Code Sticker – you will need this to access your results. Then, I created my account online registering my activation code.
Once I finished this step, I collected the sample. Make sure that you haven’t had anything to eat, drink, smoke, chewed gum or even used mouthwash 30 minutes before taking your test. Swab your cheek for 30 seconds (use your phone timer if you need to), repeat on the other side of your mouth, then provide your sex, the date you took the sample and finally add the bar code, and you are ready to mail your kit off in the envelope that it came in. It literally took me under five minutes to do everything and I received the results in the seven business days promised.
The Results
You will receive an email notification with a link to your report. There are summaries plus a PDF document that you can download for easy access. There is a section labeled “Important Insights”. This is a summary of the medications of the medications to “Consider Alternatives” or to “Consider Modified Approach”. I had 12 medications that I need to consider a modified approach to. One is a statin drug, which is really important for me to know in case I need to switch my medication.
One thing that I did find odd was the codeine wasn’t listed as one of the drugs for me to “consider alternatives” to since I am allergic. Other than that, there was a lot of really interesting and insightful information.
Final Thoughts
For many people, including my mother, finding the right medication was challenging at best. Although I feel generally well on the medication that I am on, I know that there may come a time when they may need to add medication to my regime and I want to be prepared. Testing out Inagene gave me some peace of mind since I have an idea of the drugs that I may need alternatives to.
The most important recommendation that I can make, and that Inagene shares is that the test is not meant to replace professional medical advice. It is important to share the results with your family doctor or specialist and not to change any medication before you speak with them.
We are living in a time where we, as patients, need to advocate for ourselves and have a better understanding of our health. Inagene is an important tool for this and allows us to have more productive conversations with our doctors and pharmacists. The price is steep for many, but if you have the means, it is definitely worth it.
* Inagene provided a test for review purposes. Opinions are my own.
