Low Risk

Suitable for Widespread Use

These drugs have been widely used for a long period of time–which means that their safety profile is well known – and they are associated with a low risk of serious side effects.

General Risk

Use under Normal Care of a Doctor

These drugs have been widely used for a long period of time–which means that their safety profile is well known–and are associated with a low risk of serious side effects when used according to their directions under the ongoing supervision of a doctor.

Guarded

Be on the Lookout for Safety Events

Most new drugs fall into this category. They have been shown to have a low risk of serious side effects under tightly controlled conditions of a clinical trial, but have not been used for long enough or widely enough to really understand their risks.

Elevated Risk

Create a personal risk reduction plan with your doctor.

These are drugs that require a special discussion between you and your doctor about ways that together, you can minimize your drug risk. Such a plan could simply involve education about signs and symptoms to look out for, or could involve regular check-ups and monitoring.

High Risk

Requires careful consideration of risk versus benefit.

These are drugs that are associated with a high risk with serious side effects, and require a special discussion between you and your doctor to discuss risk versus benefit.

On Hold–Risk Rating under review