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 Pharmacogenomics:
When one size does not fit all
Genes are parts of our DNA that provide instructions on how your body develops and functions. Everyone has small differences in their genes, and because of this, people may respond differently to medicines.
Pharmacogenomics uses information from YOUR genes to help find the right dose and medicine for you. VA now offers a no-cost blood test to patients to understand how your body responds to medicines.
How can the results be beneficial for you?
- Help your provider find a medication that is safe for you
- Decrease side effects
- Reduce the trial-and-error process of medication commonly seen with antidepressants and pain regimens
Medications that can be impacted include:
- Antidepressants
- Pain medications
- Stomach medications
- Cholesterol medications
- And many more
What do I need to know before testing?
- Testing is free for Veterans
- Pharmacogenomics is just one factor that may impact how you respond to a medicine
- Other factors include your age, sex, race, ethnicity, and other medicines you may be taking
- Federal law protects patients from discrimination by insurance companies or employers based on testing results.
- If you have had a liver or certain bone marrow transplants, you are not a candidate for testing
Need more information?
Pharmacogenomic testing is currently available in VISN 4 at facilities in Altoona, Butler, Erie, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Wilkes-Barre, and coming soon to Coatesville, Lebanon and Wilmington.
To learn more, view a brief video explaining pharmacogenomic testing. You may also visit our website and get answers to frequently asked questions.
If you are interested in testing, please speak to your health care provider, and never stop taking your medications without first speaking to your provider.
If you still have questions, feel free to email us at visn4pharmacogenomicsteam@va.gov.
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Are you a Veteran who deployed to a combat zone and never signed up for VA health care?
If you were discharged or released between September 11, 2001, and October 1, 2013, you should sign up now!. But act fast—the deadline is September 30, 2023. Apply now or visit www.va.gov/PACT to learn more.
Vision for Excellence - Issue 33
We are pleased to share the latest issue of Vision for Excellence.
In this issue, we provide a mid-year update on our health care priorities, spotlight the new outpatient clinic opening in Monroeville, Pa., and feature our most recent ICARE awardees. We also highlight the recent summer VetFest events held in Philadelphia and Wilmington to raise awareness about upcoming PACT Act deadlines.
Visit the VISN 4 website to download the latest issue of Vision for Excellence.
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Preventing Veteran suicide is VA’s top clinical priority
Every Veteran is different, but some actions and behaviors can be a sign that a Veteran needs help. These may include:
- Hopelessness
- Rage or anger
- Feeling as if there is no reason to live
- Anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness or mood swings
- Feeling excessive guilt, shame or sense of failure
- Feeling sad or depressed most of the time
- Increasing alcohol or drug misuse
If you or a loved one reaches a crisis point, contact the Veterans Crisis Line for free, confidential support available 24/7. To reach a caring, qualified responder, Dial 988 then Press 1, text to 838255, or start a confidential chat.
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About VA Healthcare-VISN 4
VA Healthcare–VISN 4 is a fully integrated network of 9 VA campuses, 45 outpatient clinics, and 16 vet centers covering 83 counties in Pennsylvania and Delaware and parts of Ohio, West Virginia, New York and New Jersey.
In fiscal year 2022, VISN 4 served 321,366 patients from across the Nation. With a staff of 17,066 and an operating budget of more than $3.1 billion, VISN 4 is working hard to transform toward personalized, patient-driven health care.
Apply for VA health care
VA health care covers care for your physical and mental health. This includes a range of services from checkups to surgeries to home health care. It also includes prescriptions and medical equipment.
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