Aukaverkun

Aukaverkun is the Icelandic term for a side effect. It refers to an unintended secondary effect that accompanies a medical intervention such as a drug, vaccine, or procedure, and that occurs in addition to the intended therapeutic effect. Side effects vary in severity and duration, from mild symptoms that resolve on their own to more serious reactions that require medical attention.

Etymology: The word combines auk- meaning "additional" or "extra" with verkun meaning "effect" or "action," forming a direct Icelandic counterpart to the English term "side effect." It is widely used in Icelandic clinical and pharmacological literature.

In drug development and pharmacovigilance, aukaverkun are methodically studied and reported. They are categorized by frequency (common, uncommon, rare) and by severity (mild, moderate, severe). The risk depends on the substance, dose, patient factors, and interactions with other medicines or foods.

Examples include nausea, dizziness, or fatigue; more rarely, allergic reactions or organ toxicity may occur. Management involves dose adjustments, symptomatic treatment, switching treatments, or discontinuation. Clear information about potential aukaverkun is provided to patients and recorded in regulatory safety databases.