Drug Side Effects and Adverse Drug Reactions

Side Effects:

Side effects refer to reactions to a drug that are frequently experienced and expected. Some side effects may gradually subside. But some side effects may persist that may require the adjustment of drug dosage (dose reduction) or drug frequency. Consult your doctor or pharmacist first.

If the medicine makes you drowsy, do not drive or operate machinery or dangerous equipment.

Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR):

Adverse Drug Reaction refers to any unexpected or noxious reaction to a drug. An unwanted effect caused by the administration of a normal dose of drug. The onset of the adverse reaction may be sudden or develop over time.

There are few factors that may affect your body reactions towards certain drugs include:

• Age-eg. Elderly and pediatrics tends to experience more adverse drug reactions.
• Genetics-Genetic factors may cause abnormal pharmacokinetic. (eg drug metabolism).
• Medical conditions-Various diseases, especially those that cause kidney or liver insufficiency, may alter pharmacokinetic of a drug.
• Organ functions-Impaired organ functions may alter pharmacokinetic of a drug.
• Body weight.
• Synergistic effects either between a drug and a disease or two/more drugs (polypharmacy).

The adverse drug reaction can either be mild or even serious when the patient outcome is one of these:

• Hospitalization (initial or prolonged)
• Disability - significant, persistent, or permanent change, impairment, damage or disruption in the patient's body function/structure, physical activities or quality of life.
• Congenital Anomaly
• Requires Intervention to Prevent Permanent Impairment or Damage
• Life-Threatening
• Death

Many countries have official bodies that monitor drug safety and reactions. Internationally, 

• the WHO runs the Uppsala Monitoring Centre, 
• the European Union runs the European Medicines Agency (EMEA),
• the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for monitoring post-marketing studies.

Tips on safety medication:

• Find out the name of your medication. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for further information about the medicine that you are taking. You must understand carefully on what your medication is for and how to administer your medication.
• Keep with you at all times a list of medicines  including health supplements and complementary medicines that you are taking. Share a copy of the medication list with a family member so that in an emergency, that person will be able to inform your doctors of your medications.
• Keep all your doctors and pharmacist informed about your medications and dietary supplements (including vitamins and herbals).
• Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to any medicine.
• Read the medicine label carefully. Pay special attention to the warnings and precautions. 
• Take the medicine as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. If in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist. 
• Do not share your medications with others.
• If adverse drug event occurs, see your doctor immediately. Bring the medication and medication list for adverse drug event verification and reporting.