AllergiC REACTION VERSUS ADVERSE REACTION or DRUG INTOLERANCE

An allergic reaction is caused by an overreaction of the body’s immune system and may lead to a rash, hives, itching, swollen tongue or lips, swollen or itchy throat, swollen eyes, difficulty breathing, wheezing, or anaphylaxis. A major adverse reaction (or major side effect, intolerance, sensitivity) would include reactions of such severity to cause disability, such as nausea or vomiting, uncontrolled diarrhea, severe headache or dizziness, shakiness, uncontrollable cough, rapid heart rate or palpitations, hallucinations, minor skin eruptions, etc. Minor adverse reactions would be those that can be tolerated such as minor stomach upset or nausea, heartburn, mild loose stools, or other atypical reactions not indicative of a true allergic reaction.