![]() ![]() Unlike adverse events, side effects are mostly foreseen by the physician and the patient is told to be aware of the effects that could happen while on the therapy. The event is not expected by either the doctor or the patient and the effects can be reduced by lowering the dose or just stopping the medication all together.Ī side effect is an undesired effect that occurs when the medication is administered regardless of the dose. A patient may experience an adverse event due to the healthcare provider’s lack of knowledge of the drug and the medications complete mechanism. They occur less often and are influenced by patient-specific susceptibility factors such as drug allergies and intolerances. Type B reactions are completely unpredictable and have nothing to do with doses. Type A reactions are predictable adverse events which are commonly dose dependent and can be mild, moderate, or severe. The event can either be a type A reaction or a type B reaction. Below I will discuss each in order to help healthcare professionals as well as patients differentiate between an adverse event and a side effect.Īn adverse event is an undesired occurrence that results from taking a medication correctly. In fact I have seen these 2 words used interchangeably although they have different meanings, which many healthcare professionals may not be aware of. ![]() It is a common misconception that adverse events and side effects are the same thing. ![]() Adverse events are unintended pharmacologic effects that occur when a medication is administered correctly while a side effect is a secondary unwanted effect that occurs due to drug therapy. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |