side effect
Plural
side effects
1
a secondary effect of any drug or medicine, usually an undesirable one
A side effect is an unwanted or unexpected symptom that occurs as a result of taking a medication or undergoing a treatment. Side effects can range from mild issues, like a headache or upset stomach, to more serious problems. They are not the main purpose of the medication but can occur alongside its intended benefits.
- While the new medication effectively managed her symptoms, she was concerned about the potential side effects, including nausea and fatigue.
- The doctor explained that every drug comes with the risk of side effects, which is why it's important to monitor patients closely after starting a new treatment.
- After taking the antibiotic, he experienced a mild side effect in the form of an upset stomach, prompting him to call his healthcare provider for advice.
- Researchers are currently studying the long-term side effects of the vaccine to ensure its safety and efficacy in various populations.
- Although the pain reliever worked well for her headaches, she decided to stop taking it due to the unpleasant side effects that interfered with her daily activities.
2
a result of a situation or action that was not meant to happen
- The new policy aimed to boost economic growth, but an unintended side effect was increased inflation.
- The construction of the new highway led to a side effect of increased traffic in nearby residential areas.
- One side effect of the rapid technological advancements is the growing concern over data privacy.
- Cutting down on sugar had the side effect of improving his overall health.
- The economy showed signs of recovery after the government implemented stimulus measures.
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