Pharmacogenetics (also known as pharmacogenomics) is the study of how your genes influence how your body responds to specific medications. Your genes are passed down through your parents. They hold information (DNA) that affects many aspects of your personality, including your height and eye color.

Some genes influence how your body uses and breaks down medications. Differences in these genes can explain why some people benefit from specific medications while others do not. Genes can also explain why some people have severe adverse effects from medications while others do not.