Side effects

Side effects are unintended and typically undesirable outcomes that occur as a result of using a drug or undergoing a medical treatment. They can range from mild, temporary symptoms like a headache or nausea, to severe, long-term problems such as organ damage or death.

Causes

Side effects can occur for a variety of reasons. They may be caused by the drug or treatment itself, or they may be the result of an interaction between the drug or treatment and the patient's body. For example, some drugs can cause side effects because they affect parts of the body that are not intended to be targeted by the treatment. Other side effects may occur because a patient has an allergic reaction to a drug.

Types of Side Effects

There are many different types of side effects, which can vary greatly in severity and duration. Some common types of side effects include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Allergic reactions
• Organ damage
• Death

Prevention and Management

In many cases, side effects can be prevented or managed. This may involve adjusting the dose of a drug, switching to a different drug, or using additional treatments to manage side effects. It's important for patients to communicate with their healthcare provider about any side effects they experience, as this can help the provider make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

See Also

• Adverse effect
• Drug interaction
• Pharmacovigilance
• Medication

Side effects Resources
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