How to Report Adverse Reactions in the U.S.

If a medication causes an unexpected reaction, write down what you took, the dose, the time and exactly what you felt. Those four details make any later report far more useful.

Non-urgent reactions can be reported to the FDA's MedWatch program, and your pharmacist can help submit it. Your prescriber should hear about it too, so your record stays accurate.

Trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, chest pain, fainting or a spreading rash are emergencies. Call 911 rather than waiting for a callback.