Glossary

Definitions of complex medical terms on the Clinical Trials Quebec site.

Side effect
A side effect is a reaction to a health product that is different from the intended reaction. A side effect may be expected or unexpected, mild or severe, temporary or permanent, harmful, neutral or positive. An adverse effect or adverse side effect is a harmful and unwanted side effect resulting from the intake of a health product. The onset of side effects varies from person to person and from treatment to treatment. It is important to ask medical staff about the possible side effects of a treatment.