Why you should read this article:

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To expand your knowledge of how different types of adverse drug reactions occur

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To enhance your understanding of how to identify and manage adverse drug reactions

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To consider how you could support patients’ adherence and safety in relation to medicines

Unpleasant side effects or adverse drug reactions (ADRs) caused by medicines can have significant effects on people’s quality of life and therapeutic outcomes. Knowledge of how ADRs occur enables nurses who prescribe and/or administer medicines to identify and manage them effectively, which can improve the patient experience and increase adherence. This article outlines the types of ADRs and explains how nurses can reduce medicines-related harm by following the principles of medicines optimisation, undertaking regular medication reviews and communicating openly with patients about their medicines.