How can you determine side effects of a prescription?

Prescription drugs come with a printed label or insert that describes side effects associated with the medicine. Pharmacists and health care providers are also good sources of information about the side effects of prescribed medications, says WebMD.

All prescription medications have some side effects. Some side effects are barely noticeable; some side effects can be life-threatening. The likelihood of experiencing side effects depends on the user's weight, gender, age, race and general overall health. A person who experiences side effects such as abdominal pain, blurred vision, skin rash or swelling in the hands or feet needs to consult a physician without delay, according to About.com.