Could your genetics be affecting how your medication works?
Use the AI Genetic Test Assistant to see if you’re eligible for a Genetic Medicines Test. If you qualify, the results could help your doctor fine-tune your medication for better outcomes.
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Service Guide
Everything you need to know about Genetic Medicines Tests
What is the Genetic Medicines Test Service and how does it work?
The Genetic Medicines Test is a convenient at-home test that looks for gene variations affecting how your body processes certain medications. Your results can help your doctor determine whether you metabolise a medication quickly, slowly, or at a typical rate. If you’re found to be a fast or slow metaboliser, your doctor may adjust your dosage to improve effectiveness or reduce side effects. This is the first private service of its kind in the UK and is also available to users in the US.
Give me an example of why this service may suit me?
In psychiatry, choosing the right antidepressant or antipsychotic often involves trial and error. These medications can have limited effectiveness and may cause unwanted side effects, meaning your treatment might not work as well as it should.
The Genetic Medicines Test helps your doctor personalise your treatment by adjusting the medication or dose based on your genetic makeup, improving both safety, effectiveness and treatment outcomes.
The infographic below shows how your genes can influence how you process certain medications.
What genes do you test?
We currently offer two gene panel tests to help you understand how your body may respond to certain medications. Our laboratory screens for genetic variations with a validated sensitivity of over 99%.
The two gene panels we test are:
- CYP2C19
- CYP2D6
These enzymes play a key role in processing more than 30% of commonly prescribed medications, including many antidepressants and antipsychotics.
What is CYP2C19?
CYP2C19 is an enzyme involved in breaking down 5–10% of commonly prescribed medications. It is controlled by the CYP2C19 gene, and variations in this gene can affect how well the enzyme works.
Around 3–6% of people of European and African ancestry, and 13–23% of Asian populations, have a slower-acting form of the enzyme, making them poor metabolisers.
Your rate of drug metabolism is important; it influences how your body processes medication.
- Fast metabolisers break down drugs too quickly, which can reduce effectiveness.
- Slow metabolisers process drugs too slowly, increasing the risk of side effects or toxicity.
By testing for CYP2C19 gene variants, we can determine whether you are a fast, normal, or slow metaboliser. This information helps your doctor decide whether the standard dose of a medication is appropriate, or if it needs to be adjusted or replaced.
This is a personalised approach to prescribing, ensuring that the right medication and dosage are selected based on your unique genetic profile.
What is CYP2D6?
CYP2D6 is an important enzyme responsible for metabolising about 25% of all prescription medications. This enzyme is regulated by the CYP2D6 gene, and genetic differences can significantly affect how well it functions.
Your metabolism rate influences how your body responds to medication:
- Fast metabolisers break down drugs too quickly, which may reduce their effectiveness.
- Slow metabolisers process drugs more slowly, increasing the risk of side effects or toxicity at standard doses.
By testing for CYP2D6 gene variants, we can identify whether you are a fast, normal, or slow metaboliser. This insight helps your doctor determine if the usual dosage is appropriate for you, or whether it needs to be adjusted or changed altogether.
This is a personalised approach to prescribing, ensuring that the right medication and dosage are selected based on your unique genetic profile.
What advantages does the Genetic Medicines Test offer 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 more slowly, 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 lifelong results
These results are lifelong 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 the 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 of the Genetic Medicines Test Service that I need to be aware of?
- Not All Medications Are Covered
The Genetic Medicines Test service is designed to identify specific gene-drug interactions, primarily involving the CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 enzymes. These enzymes play a key role in processing a wide range of medications, especially antidepressants, antipsychotics, and other frequently prescribed drugs. However, many medications are broken down through other biological pathways. As a result, not all medications you use will be covered by this test. You can check if your medication could be influenced by the gene test using our eligibility checker. - 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
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.
What is the 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’.
Is this a safe service?
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 services utilise Clinical Decision Support (CDS) software based on the evidence base of the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC).
Is the service available in the United States and the United Kingdom?
Yes. This service is available in the United Kingdom and the United States.
Do I need to pay for this 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 this depends on your health plan.
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 metabolises 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.
How do I use the Genetic Medicines Test Service?
Navigate to the Genetic Medicines Test Service Card which can be found in the ‘Private Care’ section of the account homepage.
Choose ‘Check Eligibility’ from the Options Menu on the Genetic Medicines Test Service Card.
Use the AI Chat Bot to check if your medication is influenced by your genes.
Or, if you have provided us with access to your medication records, we will run an AI eligibility check to see if you qualify. If you do, we will send you a notification.
If you qualify, you can click ‘View Test’ to learn more about the test, or alternatively ‘Add to Cart’.
Follow the steps below to complete your purchase:
What Happens Next:
- Home Test Kit Delivery
Your Genetic Medicines Test Kit will be delivered to your home or preferred address. - Collect Your Sample
Follow the step-by-step instructions included in the kit to collect your sample.The following instructions will be included: - Return Your Sample
Use the prepaid return packaging provided to send your sample back to our laboratory. - Processing & Notification
Once your sample has been analysed, you’ll receive a notification letting you know your results are ready. - Book Your Consultation
Schedule an appointment with one of our licensed genetics clinicians to review your results.
Follow the instructions below to book: - View Your Results
After your consultation, your results will be available in the ‘Reports & Letters’ section on the account homepage.
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?
Test results can take up to 10 working days to process from the day we receive your sample back.
What happens during the consultation?
Here’s how the virtual consultation will generally go:
- Introduction & Verification
The clinician will begin by introducing themselves and confirming your identity to ensure privacy and confidentiality. The clinician will also explain what the Genetic Medicines Test is designed to do, that it identifies genetic variations that can affect how the patient metabolises or responds to specific medications. - Review of Test Results
They will walk you through your test results, in clear, non-technical language, explaining what the results me for you in relation to:- Metaboliser status (e.g., poor, intermediate, normal, rapid, or ultra-rapid)
– Which genes were tested (e.g., CYP2D6, CYP2C19)
– How your gene variants may affect your response to your medications - Personalised Interpretation & Recommendations
During your consultation, the clinician will review your Genetic Medicines Test results and explain what they mean in relation to the medications you’re currently taking. If the results suggest that a medication or dosage may not be suitable for you, the clinician may recommend that your doctor reviews your prescription.In this case, a referral letter, including your test results, will be sent to your doctor. If the test results indicate that your current medications are unaffected by your genetic profile, the consultation will simply conclude without the need for changes or further action. - Answering Your Questions
You’ll have time to ask questions or discuss any concerns. The goal is to make sure you understand how your gene/medication status may affect your treatment outcomes and be provided with the next steps clearly. - Next Steps & Support
After the consultation, you’ll receive a notification summarising the key outcomes of your consultation. This summary will include whether a referral letter to your GP was made.
– If a referral was issued, a copy of the letter will be available in the ‘Reports & Letters’ section of the account homepage.
– Your test results will also be unlocked, allowing you to view, download, and share them with any other healthcare provider as needed.
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
Everything you need to know about video consultations
Watch the video below for a rundown of how NowPatient’s remote video consultations work:
What are the steps to booking a live video consultation?
Follow these steps to book a secure video consultation:
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.
Why am I being asked to provide my Blood Pressure reading?
For certain treatments and services, our clinicians require you to provide your most up-to-date blood pressure reading. This is to ensure that the service or treatment being considered is both suitable and safe for you.
If I don’t have a Blood Pressure monitor, how can I provide my readings?
The NowPatient app uses a new approach to measuring blood pressure using your smartphone camera held in front of your face. It is the world’s only blood pressure check without a cuff or wearable.
Is the remote blood pressure monitor safe and medically accurate?
Yes. It Is classified as a Medical Device. It conforms to EU CE and UKCA Class I Medical Device standards. There is also an impending CE Class IIa conformity, expected in Q2 2025.
How does the remote blood pressure monitor actually work?
The diagram below outlines how NowPatient’s blood pressure reading works:
When and how is my remote blood pressure reading taken?
At the point of booking any service or treatment, we will let you know whether there are any requirements for an up-to-date blood pressure reading.
If you are required to give a reading, you will be guided through a series of simple steps.
which devices does the remote Blood Pressure monitor work on?
You will need a recent iOS or Android smartphone with a front-facing camera. It is not available for use on desktop devices.
Why do my results keep failing when using the remote blood pressure monitor service?
Possible reasons why results are not being generated include:
- Bad lighting – Make sure you are well-lit by diffuse lighting. Avoid strong shadows and uneven lighting.
- Unstabilised device – Ensure your device is kept still during the reading.
- Not remaining still – You must stay still during the reading and avoid talking.
- Poor Wi-Fi – The service requires a strong and stable Wi-Fi signal.
I am not able to book consultations because I missed a few appointments. What can I do?
NowPatient uses sophisticated booking architecture to ensure that clinical resources are always productive. To ensure that we remain productive, we have a threshold of TWO missed booking appointments before we revoke your service booking rights. You will, of course, be notified after each missed booking. If you believe this is incorrect or that there were genuine reasons for your missed appointments, you can raise a ticket with the support desk.

Can I Trust NowPatient
Our product and services are certified to international healthcare, medical device and data security standards
Medicines Experts
Meet our medical team
We are a broad skilled and passionate group of clinicians with experience of 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
WHY WE BUILT NOWPATIENT
We are committed to helping everyone, everywhere live healthier lives
The NowPatient virtual care platform provides you with access to trusted health information, affordable treatments, management of chronic health conditions and continuous monitoring for health risks. NowPatient can be accessed by downloading the App or using your web browser.
Download our app today

Your Questions Answered
For your peace of mind, we can answer your questions quickly
What does NowPatient do?
NowPatient is a digital health-technology platform functioning as both an online pharmacy and telehealth service. Packaged as a Class I software medical device, it’s accessible via web browser or mobile app (iOS and Android), and offers users worldwide on-demand access to virtual consultations, prescription services, and AI-powered health tools.
What It Does
-
- NHS Online Pharmacy: Order NHS-approved prescriptions (UK)
- Drug Savings: Access major US drug-savings programs (coupons, savings cards, manufacturer assistance, Canadian drug savings).
- Virtual Consultations: Get treated for a wide range of medical conditions by expert clinicians using a secure telehealth link.
- Medication Management: Set up refill & dose reminders, view private treatment plans, and track chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
- Health-Monitoring Tools: Use AI-driven assessments for genetic risk tests, home test kits and blood-pressure monitoring.
- Wellness Insights: Access real-time pollen counts, air-quality data, BMI and type 2 diabetes risk scores, plus comprehensive health-condition information.
Get started today and benefit from Medication Reminders, Get Treated Privately, 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 below:
Where is NowPatient located?
NowPatient has offices 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 use the contact form available on the Contact Us page.
Alternatively, if you need to speak to us, you can reach us on the following numbers:
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. Infohealth Ltd is registered in England and Wales under company number 04004930 and our registered office is at Lynwood House, 373 – 375 Station Road, Harrow, England, HA1 2AW.
Our website is www.nowpatient.com. Our App is called “NowPatient” and can be downloaded from the App Store (for Apple devices) or Google Play (for Android devices).
Can you tell me more about your NHS online pharmacy?
NowPatient’s 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 endeavour to provide a professional and transparent service whose primary goal is to ensure that the best interests of the patient are served.
How do I make a complaint?
From time to time, we accept that our service levels may not be up to your expectations. NowPatient welcomes concerns, compliments and complaints as valuable feedback that will help us learn from your experiences and make improvements. Feedback can be provided via our clear and transparent Complaints Procedures.
Can you tell me more about NowPatient’s 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’s US services?
Our head of US services is Dr. Jamie Winn.
You can lower the cost of your prescription medications using our various savings programs which include drug coupons, savings card and manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs.
What are the steps to booking a live video consultation?
Follow the steps below to book a consultation:
If I place an order, how do I check out?
Follow the steps below to checkout:
Is NowPatient legit and can I trust information from NowPatient?
Yes. NowPatient provides trustworthy and accessible clinical, health education and prescription services. We are also trusted by the NHS to deliver clinical and NHS repeat prescription dispensing across the whole of England. In the United States, we work with over 65,000 pharmacies to deliver considerable costs savings for our users.
NowPatient is operated by experienced licensed medical professionals in the United Kingdom and United States. Our Medical Team can be found here.
Our service is trusted by thousands of patients worldwide. You can read their reviews on our Trustpilot:
Does NowPatient have insurance in place for the services it provides?
Yes. NowPatient is fully insured to provide pharmacy & prescribing services. Insurance not only provides peace of mind but also provides an effective safety net for both you and our clinicians.
Why is it important to choose an online pharmacy and telehealth service that is insured?
Insurance is more than just a financial safeguard, it is a signal of legitimacy and accountability.
We insure our services, so that it:
- Shows you that we are compliant with all laws and industry standards in the markets that we operate.
- Shows you that we are committed to standards of professionalism.
- Reinforces your confidence that you are dealing with a reputable provider.
Who insures your services and which services are insured?
We are insured by the National Pharmacy Association in the UK.
The scope of the services covered include:
- dispensing of prescriptions
- telehealth prescribing services.
In addition, all of the clinicians that operate on our platform have their personal indemnity insurance & scope of clinical practice validated and checked before they are able to provide services.
What are NowPatient’s opening hours?
Our office hours are:
UK – Monday-Friday 9am-6pm GMT
US – Monday-Friday 8am-5pm EST
Please note that we are closed at weekends.
In the event of a medical life-threatening emergency please call:
UK – 999
US – 911
In the event of a medical emergency which is not life-threatening please call:
UK – 111