kõrvalefekte

Kõrvalefektid refer to unintended and often undesirable effects that can occur in addition to the intended therapeutic effect of a medication or treatment. These effects can range in severity from mild and temporary to severe and life-threatening. The occurrence and type of side effects depend on various factors, including the specific drug or treatment, the dosage, the individual's physiology, other medications they may be taking, and pre-existing health conditions.

Understanding potential side effects is a crucial part of informed consent when undergoing medical treatment. Healthcare professionals are responsible for informing patients about common and serious side effects associated with their prescribed therapies. Patients, in turn, should report any new or concerning symptoms they experience to their doctor or pharmacist promptly. This allows for appropriate management, which might involve adjusting the dosage, switching to an alternative treatment, or providing supportive care to alleviate the side effects.

The study of side effects, known as pharmacovigilance, is an ongoing process that begins during drug development and continues throughout the lifespan of a medication on the market. This monitoring helps to identify rare or long-term side effects that may not have been apparent in clinical trials. While all medications and treatments carry some risk of side effects, the benefits of the therapy often outweigh these risks when managed appropriately.