Definitions for "Adverse reaction"
undesirable effect of a drug, vaccine, or medical device; it can be as mild as a short-term injection-site irritation or as serious as a life-threatening acute onset of anaphylaxis; also referred to as adverse event.
An unwanted side effect of a treatment, usually applied to medications. Adverse reactions are often unpredictable. It is always prudent to ask before piercing whether the piercee has any allergies.
An undesirable or unwanted consequence of a preventive, diagnostic or therapeutic procedure, e.g., adverse reaction to smallpox vaccination. See also side effect.