Adverse drug reactions: when the risk becomes a reality for patients.

Communications about the safety of medicines are complex and generally poorly performed. Discussions may not be initiated by healthcare professionals and the lack of a 'common language' to express risk can cause confusion. In the event of a serious adverse drug reaction, prior failures in communication can cause difficulties, and patients may fail to receive adequate information about the nature of their experience. How to communicate openly with patients in order to minimize distrust and maximize future benefits from medicines requires exploration.