All medications carry some risk of side effects. If you experience anything unexpected while taking a medication prescribed through Thrive Rx, here's what to do.
Contact Your Clinician
If you experience side effects, your first step should be to contact your Thrive Rx clinician. You don't need to wait for your next scheduled review — reach out as soon as you notice something that concerns you.
When you get in touch, it helps to provide:
Which medication you believe is causing the side effect
What symptoms you're experiencing
When the symptoms started and how long they've lasted
Whether the symptoms are getting better, staying the same, or getting worse
Any other medications, supplements, or changes to your routine that may be relevant
Your clinician will assess the situation and advise on next steps. This may include adjusting your dosage, pausing or discontinuing the medication, switching to an alternative, or monitoring the symptoms if they're expected to be temporary.
Do Not Stop Medication Without Clinical Guidance
While it may be tempting to stop taking a medication immediately if you experience side effects, some medications need to be tapered or adjusted gradually. Always speak with your clinician before stopping or changing your medication regimen unless you're experiencing a severe or life-threatening reaction (see below).
When to Seek Emergency Care
In rare cases, side effects may require urgent medical attention. Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately if you experience:
Difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Chest pain or rapid, irregular heartbeat
Severe dizziness, fainting, or loss of consciousness
Signs of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
Severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or bleeding
Any symptom that feels life-threatening or rapidly worsening
Do not wait to contact Thrive Rx in an emergency. Call 000 first, then let us know what happened so we can update your clinical records and adjust your care plan.
Adverse Event Reporting
Thrive Rx takes all adverse events seriously. When you report a side effect, your clinician will:
Document the event in your clinical records
Assess whether the medication should be continued, adjusted, or discontinued
Report the event to the TGA where required under Australian adverse event reporting obligations
You can also report suspected side effects directly to the TGA through the TGA adverse event reporting portal.
Prevention and Monitoring
Your structured monitoring schedule — including check-in questionnaires and regular clinical reviews — is designed to catch side effects early. Be honest and thorough in your check-ins, even if a symptom seems minor. Early detection means your clinician can act quickly.
Thrive Rx provides clinician-led health optimisation services. All clinical decisions are made by AHPRA-registered practitioners. Thrive Rx does not provide emergency medical care. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 000 immediately.