What term is used for unwanted clinical results of a medication?

The term "adverse effects" is used to describe unwanted clinical results of a medication. This terminology encompasses any undesirable or harmful consequences that occur as a result of taking a medication. Adverse effects can range from mild reactions, like nausea, to severe outcomes, such as anaphylaxis or organ damage.

Understanding adverse effects is crucial for healthcare providers as it aids in the assessment of a medication's risk versus benefit, guiding treatment decisions, and informing patients about potential risks associated with their medications. This concept is integral to patient safety and effective medication management.

In contrast, while "side effects" may seem similar, it generally refers to any secondary effects of a drug, which can sometimes be predictable and less harmful. "Complications" typically relate to unintended outcomes of a disease or treatment rather than directly from medication itself. "Product labels," on the other hand, refer to the documentation accompanying medications detailing usage, dosage, and side effects, but do not identify unwanted clinical results themselves.