Version July 2025
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What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED because you had a side effect from a medicine. This is an unintended or unwanted effect that medicines can cause. It is also called an "adverse reaction" or "adverse effect."
Almost any medicine can cause side effects. This includes prescription medicines and those sold over the counter ("OTC"). When side effects happen, it is usually after starting a new medicine or increasing the dose. Side effects can also happen if you stop taking a medicine. This is also called "discontinuation syndrome" or "withdrawal."
Common mild side effects include upset stomach, nausea, dry mouth, drowsiness, and minor headache. Side effects can also be dangerous or even life-threatening, for example, liver, kidney, or heart problems. An allergic reaction is a serious type of side effect, but not all side effects are allergies.
The doctor thinks the medicine that caused your side effect is ___________________________.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●If the ED doctor told you to stop taking a medicine, tell your regular doctor.
●Take all your medicines as instructed. Make sure you know when and how to take each one.
●Know that some side effects go away over time. As your body gets used to the medicine, the side effect might go away.
●Talk to your regular doctor about ways to deal with side effects. For example, if your medicines give you constipation, you can try eating more fruits and vegetables, drinking more water, and using a stool softener or laxative when needed.
●If the doctor thinks your side effect was due to a drug allergy, tell your regular doctor and any other doctors or nurses who care for you. It is very important to avoid taking that medicine.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you:
•Have wheezing or trouble breathing
•Have chest pain or tightness
•Pass out, or feel like you might pass out
•Have swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
•Have a seizure
●Return to the ED if you:
•Feel dizzy or lightheaded
•Have hives (raised patches of skin that are usually very itchy)
•Have blisters on your skin, lips, or inside your mouth
•Are confused
•Have black bowel movements, or yellow skin or eyes
•Have thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if you:
●Have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, along with pain, weakness, and lack of energy
●Have dark urine
●Have a stomach ache, are vomiting, or have diarrhea
●Have no appetite
●Have new or worsening symptoms
Patient education: Side effects from medicines (The Basics)
Patient education: Drug allergy (The Basics)
Patient education: Medication safety (The Basics)
