Adverse Effect

/ AD-vers ih-FEKT /noun

1 Definition of Adverse Effect

Meaning of Adverse Effect: An unwanted or harmful outcome associated with a medication or intervention.

An adverse effect is an unintended, harmful, or unpleasant response linked to a drug, treatment, or procedure. It may occur at normal use or dose and ranges from mild to severe.

Also known as

adverse reactionside effect

Used in a sentence

Nausea was documented as a possible adverse effect of the medication.

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Good to know

An adverse effect is not always an allergy; allergies involve a specific immune response.

Word origin

Where “Adverse Effect” comes from

Adverse comes from Latin adversus, meaning “turned against.”

For learning, not diagnosis. This glossary provides general educational information and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you may be experiencing a medical emergency, contact local emergency services.