Definition of the word side effect

The term "side effect" in medical terminology refers to an unintended or additional effect that occurs as a result of administering a drug or medication. This term first appeared in the medical literature in 1957 in an article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) by a group of physicians studying a new drug called chlorpromazine, commonly known as Thorazine. Before the emergence of the term "side effect," the medical community used the phrases "secondary effect," "sequel," and "untoward reaction" to describe unintended drug effects. However, these terms were at times confusing and ambiguous, often leading to miscommunication and misunderstanding in the medical community. In their study, the authors introduced "side effect" as a more specific and accurate term to describe a new drug's unintended consequences. They suggested that the term "side effect" conveyed an idea that these effects were less severe than the drug's intended therapeutic effect, and hence, less concerning as well, providing clarity and better communication between healthcare providers, patients, and regulatory agencies. Today, the term "side effect" is widely used and understood in the medical community, indicating that all drugs have potential side effects, making communication between healthcare providers, patients, and regulatory agencies essential in order to manage them effectively.