You can't know if you have DPD deficiency on your own. Dihydropyridine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency is a rare genetic disorder that affects the body's ability to break down certain medications.
Here's how you might find out if you have DPD deficiency:
- Your doctor may suspect DPD deficiency if you experience severe side effects after taking certain medications. These medications include:
- 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)
- Capecitabine (Xeloda)
- Tegafur
- Your doctor may order a DPD enzyme activity test. This test measures the level of DPD enzyme activity in your blood. If the level is low, it indicates DPD deficiency.
- Genetic testing can also confirm DPD deficiency. This test looks for mutations in the DPYD gene, which is responsible for producing the DPD enzyme.
If you are concerned about DPD deficiency, talk to your doctor. They can help you understand your risk factors and determine if testing is necessary.
