Dayton Business Daily

What is the difference between an adverse drug reaction and a side effect?

Aren't they just the same thing?

Public Comments

1. just the same thing?
2. I think an adverse reaction can kill you.
3. An adverse drug reaction is your body reacting to the drug. A side effect is what the drug does to you rather than your body.
4. A side effect is a (usually) known possible symptom. An adverse reaction is an unknown problem from the individual patients reaction
5. Similar to the previous answer: A side effect is a possible symptom - mild annoyance (upset stomach, drowsiness). You can live with it to get rid of the major problem. An adverse reaction is an unknown problem or allergic reaction - something a little more drastic that could be life threatening (kill you) to highly inflammatory (worsens a pre-existing condition, exacerbates a symptom you have). Consult a doctor or stay away from the drug.
6. An ADR is a particular type of adverse effect. The meaning of this expression differs from the meaning of "side effect", as this last expression might also imply that the effects can be beneficial. Side effects, precisely, are unwanted but natural and anticipated consequences of taking a particular medication. They can be, to a relative degree, inconsequential; or they may be serious and, therefore, require prompt attention. Adverse reactions are completely different; they are rare and unforeseen bodily responses. They can likewise be either insignificant or dangerous.