Definition: An effect of a treatment or a drug that is not the intended or main effect.
Side effects can be be dangerous, irritating, or of no concern to the patient experiencing them.
When a doctor learns of side effects that a patient is experiencing, he may stop the treatment, do nothing, prescribe another drug to minimize the side effect, or adjust the dose of the treatment causing the side effect.
Many prostate cancer treatments have side effects, and it is important that you let your physician know if you experience them.
Also Known As: adverse effect
Examples: The side effects of chemotherapy can include nausea and vomiting.
