Side effects refer to unintended or undesirable effects of a medication or treatment that occur in addition to the desired therapeutic effects. These can range from mild symptoms such as drowsiness or nausea to more serious complications like allergic reactions or organ damage. Understanding and managing side effects is an important aspect of medical research and healthcare, as they can impact compliance with treatment regimens and overall patient outcomes. Researchers study side effects to improve drug safety, develop new treatments with fewer adverse effects, and provide healthcare providers with information to better manage and educate patients about potential risks.