ADVERSE DRUG-REACTIONS - MEDICAL AND LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS

The population of the United States consumes more prescription and ove r-the-counter drugs than anyone else in the world. Ideally, the goal o f any medication is to achieve improvement of health or relief of symp toms. Because there is no such thing as a drug without side effects, d rug-related problems are quite frequent and often precipitate medical negligence litigation. The characteristics and risks for immunologic r eactions are discussed in detail. General measures for risk avoidance and prevention of adverse drug reactions are also reviewed.