Don’t judge a medication by its label.

That long list of side effects can seem very scary, but many of them are low risk. All potential side effects are listed for your benefit so you can make an informed decision beforehand.  

Before a medication is introduced to market, it undergoes rigorous testing to make sure that not only does it work as intended, but is also safe.

During clinical trials the medicine is tested in volunteers. They report anything abnormal they may be experiencing. These potential side effects are all categorized by both frequency and severity, which are then weighed against the benefit of the medicine before deciding if it should be approved for use.

Even so, not all side effects are necessarily captured during the trials because the number of volunteers is limited. That’s why medicines are constantly monitored and the benefit versus risk is continually evaluated.

Generally speaking, the more severe the side effect, the less risk you have of actually experiencing it. However, everyone may have different risk due to factors such as individual genetics, age, lifestyle, and general health. So be sure to consult your doctor with any questions or concerns before starting a medication. It's your choice whether or not it's right for you.

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