Side Effects & Adverse Events

Medicines can cause side effects, and individual reactions can vary. This page is general information only and does not replace assessment by a doctor, pharmacist or other qualified health professional.

When to seek urgent help

For severe symptoms, difficulty breathing, collapse, severe allergic reaction, loss of consciousness or another medical emergency in Australia, call 000. For poisoning advice call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.

For non-emergency side effects

Read the label and Consumer Medicine Information where available. Contact a health professional if a side effect is persistent, unexpected, concerning or if you are unsure whether to continue the medicine.

Information that can help

• Product name, strength and dosage form.
• Batch or lot number and expiry date if available.
• When the medicine was taken and the dose.
• When the reaction started and what happened.
• Other medicines or supplements being used.
• Relevant medical conditions or allergies when discussing the event with a health professional.

Reporting to the TGA

Consumers and health professionals can report suspected adverse events involving therapeutic goods to the Therapeutic Goods Administration. A report does not by itself prove that a product caused the event, but it can contribute to safety monitoring.