We’re here to help you understand primary periodic paralysis

Xeris Pharmaceuticals® has partnered with Genome Medical to provide access to genetic counseling and genetic testing. Individuals with episodes of muscle weakness or temporary paralysis can access no-cost genetic counseling and testing, when eligible, through the Uncovering Periodic Paralysis program.

Multigenerational family holding hands outside.
decorative dots decorative dots

Program Eligibility For Uncovering Periodic Paralysis

Patient Must:

Patient icon Be 18+ years of age
Document with Check Mark Have had more than one episode of muscle weakness or paralysis

Certain triggers that can lead to an episode:

  • exposure to cold temperatures
  • rest after exercise
  • stress or fatigue (tiredness/exhaustion)
  • potassium-rich food
  • hunger/fasting

    • Map of the United States. Live in the United States

    Schedule An Appointment

    Schedule an appointment to start working with a certified genetic counselor and get expert guidance on your genetic testing options, all from the comfort of your own home.

    Appointments are available in less than one week and are delivered via a 30-60 minute phone call.

    decorative dots decorative dots

    Expertise You Can Trust

    Genome Medical is the country’s leading telehealth genetics care delivery company, making genetics care accessible for patients. Our clinical team includes experienced genetic counselors, medical geneticists, pharmacists and other specialists who provide care across all 50 states.

    What to Expect

    Initial Consultation

    Talk with a genetic counselor by phone at no cost to you to review your family health history, answer any questions you may have, and confirm that you meet eligibility criteria for the Uncovering Periodic Paralysis genetic testing program. 

    Video Placeholder
    Genetic Testing

    If you meet the criteria for the program, Genome Medical will order the test for you, at no cost to you, and a saliva or cheek swab sample collection kit will be mailed directly to you. When the sample is collected and received by the lab, they will begin the genetic testing.

    female-at-home-test-swab
    Results Sent to You

    When your results are ready, Genome Medical will contact you. Results are ready approximately 2-4 weeks from the time your sample arrives at the lab.

    Father Talking on Phone with Son on His Lap
    Results Consultation

    Review your test results with a genetic counselor, at no cost to you. During this phone session, you can discuss the results of your test and what they may mean for you and your family. Afterwards, you’ll receive a written summary and guidance on next steps.

    Video Placeholder
    decorative dots decorative dots

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Genetic counselors are healthcare professionals with education focused on medical genetics and counseling. Genetic counselors are specifically trained to:
    • Help you understand how your personal and family medical history may impact your health
    • Discuss genetic testing options that may be appropriate for you
    • Explain what genetic test results mean for you and your family members
    • Address any questions or concerns you have about genetic testing
    • Provide recommendations for you and your healthcare provider to make medical decisions that may lower your risk

    • Gather your personal and family health history. Talk to family members about any health conditions in the family, as well as the age that relatives were diagnosed.
    • If you or a family member have had genetic testing, please upload a copy of the result/s to your Genome Medical patient portal before your appointment. You will get access to the patient portal once you schedule your appointment. This is very important to ensure your genetic counselor can prepare for your appointment.
    • Think about questions you may have for your genetic counselor.

    You will receive a phone call from your genetic counselor at the time of your scheduled appointment. Appointments are typically 30-60 minutes.

    During the appointment, your genetic counselor will review your personal and family medical history, assess your risk for inherited genetic conditions, and may discuss the benefits and limitations of genetic testing. Your genetic counselor will also address your concerns or questions about genetic testing. If genetic testing is performed, your genetic counselor can explain what your results mean for you and your family.

    Genetic testing involves looking at blood, saliva or other tissues to find changes in an individual's genes. These genetic changes may cause an increased chance of certain medical conditions.

    Genetic testing is typically done at a specialized laboratory.

    Genome Medical does not perform genetic testing. As a medical practice, Genome Medical’s providers can order genetic testing, when medically appropriate, for U.S.- based patients.

    Genetic testing is useful in many areas of medicine and may change the medical care you or your family members receive. For example, genetic testing may help to diagnose a medical condition. Genetic test results may help you and your care providers make more informed decisions on how to prevent or treat a medical condition.

    There are thousands of genetic tests available today. A genetic counselor can help you to understand what testing may be most appropriate for you. Genetic counselors can also help to explain what genetic test results may mean for you and your family.

    In most cases, genetic testing can be performed on a blood or saliva sample.

    If testing is done on a saliva sample, a collection kit can be sent to you in the mail and you can collect the sample from the convenience of your home. If a blood sample is needed, you may be directed to a location near you that can perform blood draws to have a sample collected. In either case, the sample then is mailed to the lab for the testing to be completed.

    The wait time to receive test results depends on the test that is ordered. In many cases, test results will be available in 2-4 weeks.

    After your appointment, your genetic counselor will create an easy-to-understand summary of your discussion. Your visit summary may include medical recommendations based on your personal/family history and any genetic test results. Your test results can be shared with your healthcare team.

    Genome Medical is a virtual medical practice. All of the platforms we use are HIPAA compliant. Your personal medical information will not be shared with any third party without your direct consent.

    Genome Medical is the country’s leading telehealth genetics care delivery company, enabling a world where everyone’s health is informed by genetics. We partner with health systems, genetic testing labs and biopharma organizations, and have delivered more than 200,000 genetic counseling sessions across a wide range of clinical specialties.

    The goal of Xeris Pharmaceuticals is to simplify and streamline the treatment experience. They are currently developing innovative, ready-to-use solutions for various therapeutic categories in order to remove multiple associated treatment burdens and ultimately improve patients' lives.

    decorative dots decorative dots

    Xeris Pharmaceuticals® and its associated logo are trademarks of Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Used by permission.