One in four of us will experience a side effect from a prescription medication we�re taking. Most of them are mild and go away once the dose is decreased or the drug is stopped, however some side effects are potentially serious.

Here are a few tips:

Avoid the side effect. Follow your doctor�s instructions on how to take your medication. Also be sure your doctor and pharmacist know about every drug you are taking, prescription and nonprescription, and all vitamins and herbal supplements.

Recognize the side effect. Look for any changes you may be experiencing since starting the drug. Common drug side effects include sexual problems, upset stomach, fatigue, or sleep problems.

Report the problem. Be sure to tell your doctor about any side effects you�re experiencing.

Here�s one more tip. Do other people who might be taking the drug a big favor: Report your drug side effect to the FDA or the drug manufacturer. The FDA monitors these reports to determine how safe a drug is and whether the drug�s instructions for use need to be changed. You can report to the FDA at www.fda.gov. Go to Medwatch and follow the directions for reporting a drug side effect.

You also can report the reaction to the drug company that makes the drug; the drug company is obligated to provide the report to the FDA.