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The Islamic verdict on this question will be dependent on the advice of a qualified medical professional. If this side effect places one in danger or undue harm, beyond what would be considered minor and typical side effects that cause discomfort but not excessive hardship, then it is possible that a concession on the fast may be warranted. Due to the central place of fasting in our religion, such a harm should be an expected and actualized excessive hardship and not just the possibility of one.
If it rises to such level, and if the medication is needed for a temporary period, then one would break the fast for the needed number of days and make up the same number of days fasting outside of Ramadan.
If it rises to such level, and the medication is needed on a consistent basis with no suitable alternative compatible with the fast – e.g. another medication, or taking medication before Fajr or after Maghrib. If no such alternative is workable, then one may pay the Fidya to feed a poor person per day of missed fast, estimated $8 per day. This may be paid to any trustworthy organization, under the Fidya/Kaffara fund, which is used exclusively for feeding the needy.
