Not all adverse drug reactions are the same. The type and nature of each reaction could vary between a nuisance, a life-threatening condition, and all points in-between.
Four different factors come into play in adverse drug reactions. In some cases, multiple factors could combine to result in serious reactions. These factors include:
Dose. Drug reactions could occur with a regular dose or only be present during an overdose.
Time. Some adverse reactions only occur following prolonged use of a dangerous drug.
Withdrawal. Certain adverse reactions occur when a patient ceases the use of a dangerous drug.
Unexpected failure. Some adverse reactions occur when a drug unexpectedly increases or decreases in efficacy.