Side effects of medicines
6-minute read
If you think you might be having a serious side effect, see your doctor at once. If it's an emergency, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
Key facts
- Side effects are unwanted effects caused by medicines.
- Any medicine can cause side effects.
- If you have questions about side effects, ask your pharmacist or doctor.
- It's useful to know the side effects of your medicines so that you know what to look out for.
What are side effects of medicines?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, call the Poisons Information Centre, 24 hours a day on 13 11 26.
Side effects are unwanted effects of taking a medicine. They are also known as adverse reactions.
Not all side effects are serious, but some are. Some examples of side effects are:
- dry mouth
- rash
- nausea
- upset stomach
- bloating or constipation
- headache
- drowsiness
- soreness at injection site
When you start a new medicine ask your pharmacist about any side effects.
What is an adverse event?
An adverse event is something that results in, or could have resulted, in harm to a person. A medicine side effect is a type of adverse event.
An adverse event does not necessarily mean that there is something wrong with the medicine.
What types of medicines can cause side effects?
All types of medicines can have side effects. This includes:
- prescription medicines
- over-the-counter medicines that you can buy from a pharmacy, supermarket or other shops
- vaccines
- vitamins and minerals
- herbal, complementary, alternative and natural medicines
Even though all medicines can cause side effects, not everyone will get them.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
When do side effects happen?
You can get a side effect from a medicine straight away or later.
Sometimes side effects of medicines get better over time. For example, a new medicine might make you feel nauseous at first but this will go away after you take the medicine for a while.
Sometimes side effects don't happen right away. They can develop after you have been taking the medicine for a while.
Side effects can also occur due to interactions with:
- prescription medicines
- over-the-counter medicines
- supplements
- food
- alcohol
Can medicine side effects be prevented?
Not all side effects can be prevented, but there are some things you can do to make them less likely.
Always take your medicine according to the instructions.
Specific instructions you might be given for a medicine include:
- starting with a low dose and increasing that dose slowly over time
- taking your medicine with meals
- taking your medicine on an empty stomach (before you eat)
- taking your medicine at a specific time of the day
- staying out of the sun
- avoiding alcohol
If you don't understand the instructions, check with your pharmacist.
If you are having trouble with side effects of a medicine, talk to your doctor. There may be things you can do to reduce the side effects or other medicines that suit you better.
Never take a medicine that was prescribed for someone else.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
Where can I get information about side effects?
Your doctor and pharmacist are the best people to speak to about potential side effects.
Here are some questions you might want to ask them:
- What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
- Does this medicine have any serious side effects?
- How often do these side effects happen?
- What can I do to avoid or lower my risk of side effects?
- Do the side effects get better with time?
- What should I do if I think I'm having a side effect?
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
The Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
You can also get information on side effects from the medicine's Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) leaflet.
All prescription medicines and some non-prescription medicines have a CMI. You can search for CMIs in healthdirect's medicines section or at the medicines.org.au website.
Your pharmacist should offer you the CMI when you are prescribed a new medicine. You can also ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the CMI.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
Resources and Support
Find out how to report medicine problems or side effects to the TGA.
You can also call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) to speak to a registered nurse if you think you are having a side effect to a medicine or vaccine.
Other languages
If you require information in languages other than English, NPS MedicineWise has several translated factsheets on medicines and side effects.