03:54 PM PST on Wednesday, January 5, 2005

KING Staff

SEATTLE - With all the recent safety concerns over Vioxx, Celebrex and other painkillers, a Seattle-based biotech company is promoting the latest version of its DNA test that can predict who is likely to have an adverse drug reaction.

The kit is available over the Internet, without a prescription.

Genelex spokesman Howard Coleman says he can foresee a day when everyone will be routinely screened to prevent dangerous side effects.

"The idea is not to eliminate these drugs, it's to target them to that is going to respond safely to them," said Coleman.

Coleman says the test can also prevent a lot hit and miss prescribing, especially when it comes to drugs such as antidepressants, where one-size doesn't fit all.

The druges include Coumadin (Warfarin), Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Effexor, Hydrocodone, Amitriptyline, Claritin, Cyclobenzaprine, Haldol, Metoprolol, Rythmol, Tagamet, Tamoxifen, Valium, Carisoprodol, Diazepam, Dilantin, Premarin, and Prevacid (and the over-the-counter drugs, Allegra, Dytuss and Tusstat).

The test costs $600 and is sometimes covered by insurance.