Whether it's a basic pain reliever or an antidepressant, most medications come with potential side effects. Some side effects are mild, like dry mouth, drowsiness, or nausea, while others may be more problematic, like a heart attack or liver damage. When the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug for use in the United States, it does so only when the benefits outweigh the risks. These side effects are typically listed on pharmacy labels and prescription bottles.

Many side effects are identified during clinical trials, but others may not appear until the medication is more widely used. For example, during early testing of the GLP-1 agonist Ozempic, the most commonly reported side effects were gastrointestinal issues like nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. However, a 2025 st

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