Description

Side effects are unintended and often adverse reactions that occur as a result of taking a medication or undergoing a medical treatment. They can vary in severity and type, affecting different individuals in distinct ways.

Interpreter Notes

Interpreters should be aware that patients may refer to side effects using terms like 'reacciones adversas' or 'efectos colaterales', which are contextually similar. It is important to maintain a formal register and avoid colloquial language. Common pitfalls include confusing these terms with 'interacciones' (interactions) or 'síntomas' (symptoms).

Example Sentences

EN: The doctor explained the possible side effects of the medication before prescribing it.

ES: El médico explicó los posibles efectos secundarios del medicamento antes de recetarlo.

Common Interpreter Mistakes

Confusing 'efectos secundarios' with 'interacciones'; mixing up 'reacción adversa' with 'síntoma'; mispronouncing 'secundarios' as 'secundarias'