Which statement best describes severe adverse drug reactions?

Which statement best describes severe adverse drug reactions?

• A. May be life threatening (e.g., liver failure) or cause persistent disability or birth defects
• B. Are always mild
• C. Are always common
• D. Can be ignored in young patients

Answer: (A)

Severe adverse drug reactions are defined by the seriousness of the harm they can cause, not by how often they occur. They may be life-threatening, such as drug-induced liver failure, or they can lead to permanent disability, or birth defects if exposure happens during pregnancy. Because of this potential for serious consequences, these reactions require prompt medical attention, may necessitate stopping the drug, and are a key focus of safety monitoring. The idea that these events are always mild, common, or ignorable in young patients isn’t accurate; severe reactions can occur across ages and can have lasting or fatal outcomes.

Severe adverse drug reactions are defined by the seriousness of the harm they can cause, not by how often they occur. They may be life-threatening, such as drug-induced liver failure, or they can lead to permanent disability, or birth defects if exposure happens during pregnancy. Because of this potential for serious consequences, these reactions require prompt medical attention, may necessitate stopping the drug, and are a key focus of safety monitoring. The idea that these events are always mild, common, or ignorable in young patients isn’t accurate; severe reactions can occur across ages and can have lasting or fatal outcomes.