ModuleDraft

Medication side effects + red flags (when to call vs emergency)

A safety guide for common stroke-prevention medication side effects and what to do next: when to call the clinic/pharmacy vs when to seek emergency help (no dosing advice).

Secondary PreventionCaregiver, SurvivorIntro12 minPlain (6–8)

Educational only

Educational only — medication decisions require clinician guidance; do not change doses on your own.

Get help now

Call emergency services for severe bleeding, trouble breathing, severe allergic reaction, fainting, new stroke symptoms, or major head injury after a fall.

Key takeaways

  • List common side-effect categories to watch for (bleeding, dizziness, allergy)
  • Use a simple decision rule: call clinic vs emergency
  • Prepare a concise symptom report script

Safety first

  • Do not stop meds without guidance
  • Bring symptoms early
  • Use emergency plan for severe symptoms

Common side-effect buckets

  • Bleeding/bruising
  • Dizziness/falls risk
  • Stomach upset
  • Muscle aches
  • Allergic reactions

What to do

  • Same-day call scripts
  • Medication list updates
  • Pharmacy questions

Practice check

What you’ll practice

These questions are untimed. After you answer all of them, you’ll see your score and a clear next lesson or reference step.

0 of 2 answered

Question 1

1. You should not stop stroke-prevention medications without talking to a clinician.

Question 2

2. A safer way to report a side effect is to describe…

References

  1. Tier 1
    AHA/ASA 2021 Secondary Prevention Guideline (medication adherence/safety themes)
  2. Tier 4
    AHRQ: Medicine safety basics (patient-facing)