Medicine side effects: what is common and what is dangerous
New symptoms after a medicine may be a common side effect, an interaction, an allergy, or a dosing error.
Common possible causes
- An expected side effect
- Interaction with another medicine, alcohol, or supplement
- Allergic reaction
- Too high, double, or incorrect dose
What you can do now
- Record the name, dose, time, and symptoms
- Check the patient information leaflet
- Contact a pharmacist or prescriber
- Do not abruptly stop an important medicine without advice unless there is an acute allergic emergency
When not to wait
- Lip or tongue swelling, breathing difficulty, or wheeze
- Widespread blistering rash or mucosal involvement
- Unconsciousness, seizure, or severe confusion
- Overdose or medicine swallowed by a child
When to contact a clinician
Contact a clinician if symptoms worsen, last longer than expected, or you have a high-risk condition or uncertainty. Seek immediate help for warning signs.
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