Side effect

Side Effects of Chemotherapy

In the realm of medicine, a side effect refers to an outcome or effect that, while not the primary intention of the drug or procedure, may either be beneficial or harmful to the patient. Although most commonly associated with undesired outcomes or adverse reactions, the term "side effect" is neutral and can equally refer to unexpected benefits.

Definition and Context

The primary goal of any medication or medical procedure is to achieve a particular therapeutic effect. Any additional effects, whether beneficial or detrimental, are classified as side effects. It's crucial to differentiate between side effects and the main effects of a drug. If a drug is prescribed or a procedure is performed specifically for a secondary effect, this secondary effect is no longer "side" and becomes the primary, intended effect.

For instance, the primary application of X-rays was as an imaging technique. However, once their capability to treat cancer (oncolytic capability) was discovered, they started being used in radiotherapy to eliminate malignant tumors.

Off-label Use

The term off-label use refers to the utilization of medications for purposes other than their approved indications. This is based on observed side effects that may be beneficial in treating other conditions. For instance, while opioids are primarily prescribed for pain relief, they might also be used for their calming (anxiolytic) effects or to induce euphoria.

It's vital to distinguish between side effects and off-label use. The former describes the mechanism by which a drug might achieve a secondary effect when used off-label, while the latter pertains to the intentional use of a drug to achieve its secondary effects.

While physicians are legally allowed to prescribe drugs off-label, marketing drugs for unapproved indications is prohibited. Several pharmaceutical companies have faced penalties for unauthorized promotion of their products.

Examples of Therapeutic Side-Effects

• Bevacizumab (Avastin): Originally designed for cancer treatment, it's been used for dry age-related macular degeneration and macular edema.
• Buprenorphine: Has potential against severe, refractory depression.
• Bupropion (Wellbutrin): An anti-depressant that's also employed as a smoking cessation aid under the name Zyban.
• Sildenafil: Developed for pulmonary hypertension, it's better known for treating erectile dysfunction.
• Carbamazepine: Approved for bipolar disorder and seizures, but also useful for ADHD, PTSD, and more.
• Gabapentin: Prescribed for seizures and neuralgia, it has potential uses in bipolar disorder, migraines, and more.
• Methotrexate (MTX): While approved for choriocarcinoma treatment, it's also used for unruptured ectopic pregnancies.
• SSRI medication sertraline: Known as an antidepressant but also affects the timing of male climax.

See Also

• Unintended consequences
• Adverse drug reaction
• Pharmacology

External links

• MedEffect Canada (Health Canada)

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