Methodology
How we score medications
The 6 factors, weights and scoring rubric behind every SafetyScorer score for medications, on a 0–100 scale where 100 is safest.
Factors and weights
Each factor is scored from 0 to 100 against the rubric below. The overall score is the weighted average, rounded to a whole number.
Serious side effects
30% of scoreFrequency and severity of serious adverse effects at normal doses (label, FDA/EMA data, large studies). 90+: serious effects very rare. Below 50: common serious effects or a boxed warning for frequent harms.
Overdose margin
20% of scoreGap between a normal dose and a harmful one (therapeutic index) and overdose deaths. 90+: very wide margin. Below 50: narrow margin or a leading cause of overdose.
Interactions
15% of scoreNumber and severity of drug, alcohol and food interactions. 90+: few clinically important interactions. Below 50: many dangerous ones.
Dependence and misuse
15% of scoreRisk of dependence, withdrawal and misuse (DEA/controlled-substance schedule). 90+: no dependence potential. Below 40: high addiction risk.
Regulatory warnings
10% of scoreBoxed warnings, safety communications, recalls and restrictions. 90+: none. Below 50: boxed warning or major restrictions.
Track record
10% of scoreYears on the market and size of the evidence base. 90+: decades of wide use. Below 60: new drug with limited real-world data.